Is Khamzat Chimaev Just Another Hype Train?

Khamzat Chimaev is a pretty big star in the UFC. Especially after saying that he wanted to fight Brock Lesnar after his win at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi. Some people say that he could beat UFC Pound for Pound fighter and welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, others say that he is just another hype train. Could he beat Kamaru Usman, or is he just another hype train?

Khamzat Chimaev has an upcoming fight against former title challenger Gilbert Burns this Saturday at UFC 273 in Jacksonville, Florida. Gilbert Burns really is Chimaev’s first real challenge, and some say that Burns doesn’t stand a chance. In MMA pretty much anything can happen, so it wouldn’t really be that surprising if Gilbert Burns pulled of a win. Considering Gilbert Burns almost beat Kamaru Usman, if Khamzat wins this fight he can most likely beat Usman.

Another thing that is very important to consider is whether Usman decides to retire after his fight with Leon Edwards. If I am being honest, I think that Leon Edwards is going to lose to Usman, so this is all assuming that Usman wins that fight. If Usman does retire, I think the most logical fight for the belt would be the winner of Khamzat vs. Gilbert vs. Colby Covington. Colby Covington just beat Jorge Masvidal at UFC 273. Considering that Colby Covington arguably beat Usman the second time he fought Usman and he is the #1 welterweight behind Kamaru Usman, he pretty much automatically deserves a title shot once Usman retires.

Whether or not Khamzat Chimaev is just a hype train will remain uncertain until we know the result of his fight with Gilbert Burns. If he wins, then he is a legitimate title contender. If he loses, then I think Khamzat will still be a big star.