Khamzat Chimaev Sends Strong Message to Doubters After Dominant UFC 319 Display originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Chael Sonnen includes Bo Nickal in his list of desired opponents for new UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev.

‘Borz’ would’ve been the last opponent that Nate Diaz fought inside the Octagon until his weight miss led to a major reshuffling on late notice. Chimaev ended up beating Kevin Holland in the co-main event, while Tony Ferguson stepped in to face Diaz in the headliner.

Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan was in Khamzat Chimaev’s corner at UFC 319, guiding his friend and training partner to a middleweight title victory. It was sheer domination, but not exactly the most exciting fight.

With fans and pundits expecting a period of dominance from the new middleweight champion, who – if anyone – can stop the Chimaev? And why might it be important that someone does?

Herb Dean supports UFC 319 referee’s controversial stand-up decision, defending the call during Khamzat Chimaev vs Dricus Du Plessis fight.

Khamzat Chimaev burst onto the UFC scene in the summer of 2020, finishing his first three opponents in barely two months with thrashing performances. He continued to pile up gaudy numbers, and even after injuries, illnesses and other factors slowed his roll, he remained undefeated and eventually made it to a title fight at last Saturday's UFC 319.

Costa (15-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC) says knowing he outlasted Olympic silver medalist wrestler Yoel Romero in his fifth UFC fight in 2019, he's confident that he'll have the strength to fend off Chimaev's wrestling.