Look at it this way. Khamzat Chimaev hasn’t fought since October 26 last year. In the co-main event of the Ilia Topuria-Max Holloway-headlined UFC 308, he faced Robert Whittaker. A first-round win earned him ‘ Performance of the Night ‘ honors. And two days from now, he returns for a title clash against Dricus du Plessis . The middleweights headline UFC 319 at Chicago’s United Center. Logic might suggest a drop in support. But Chimaev’s almost ten-month absence has barely shifted opinion. He remains the favorite to claim the middleweight belt.

And perhaps the Russian wrestling ace seems to know which way the wind blows. Not only is he confident of upending his South African rival, but as it appears, Khamzat Chimaev could be eyeing the top slot on a card later this year. On Octob

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