Khamzat Chimaev has indicated he would be interested in a boxing match against Conor McGregor.
Chimaev Open to Boxing Under Zuffa Banner
Chimaev stated that he would entertain a boxing match against the UFC’s biggest star. He clarified he is motivated by money and not the UFC middleweight title. Chimaev is scheduled to face Sean Strickland in his first title defense at UFC 328 on May 9 in Newark, N.J.
Chimaev suggested the potential fight with McGregor could happen under the Zuffa Boxing banner. “I’m not going to move over to boxing. I will be forever a UFC fighter. But maybe if Zuffa (Boxing) gives the chance, box with Conor, or if Conor wants to accept that,” Chimaev told MMA Junkie and other reporters. “It would be nice. Why not?”
McGregor previously boxed Floyd Mayweather in 2017 while under contract with the UFC, losing by TKO in the 10th round.
Respect for McGregor’s Boxing Skills
Chimaev acknowledged McGregor’s boxing abilities. “Conor is a good boxer, one of the best boxers in the UFC,” Chimaev said. “It would be nice to try and go fight that guy.”
Chimaev believes a fight with McGregor would be lucrative. “Good money, too. He talks better than Sean Strickland, so it would be fun.”
Inspiration From McGregor’s Success
Chimaev admitted McGregor’s 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo had a significant impact on him. This victory saw McGregor become the UFC featherweight champion. Chimaev was on the rise at the time.
“When I saw that fight, I heard about how much he made,” Chimaev said. “That’s why I got motivated to start MMA. It’s cool to see. It would be cool. Why should it be personal? He never did bad things to me.”
Chimaev is scheduled to face Sean Strickland at UFC 328.