Could this undefeated UFC superstar conquer four weight divisions? Jon Jones seems to think so, and his endorsement carries some serious weight. The burning question is: could Khamzat Chimaev truly dominate from welterweight all the way up to heavyweight?
Jon Jones, a name synonymous with UFC greatness and a constant fixture in GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) discussions, clearly knows talent when he sees it. He's been watching Khamzat Chimaev, the reigning middleweight champion, and what he sees is nothing short of extraordinary.
Chimaev’s record speaks for itself: a flawless 15-0, with all nine of his UFC victories coming inside the Octagon. His recent domination of Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 to snatch the middleweight title at 185 pounds wasn't just a win; it was a statement. And it solidified Jon Jones' already sky-high opinion of 'Borz'.
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But here's where it gets controversial... Jones isn't just predicting continued success for Chimaev in his current division. He's suggesting something far bolder: that Chimaev could hold his own, and even thrive, in multiple weight classes.
In a recent interview with Red Corner MMA in Thailand, where Jones was coaching ALF Reality against his old rival Daniel Cormier, 'Bones' didn't hold back. He was drawn to the topic of Chimaev and made his feelings crystal clear.
Jones believes the undefeated Chechen star has the potential to not only succeed in the welterweight division, a weight class Jones anticipates Chimaev could comfortably manage, but also to challenge the elite fighters in the divisions above his current middleweight reign. We're talking light heavyweight and even heavyweight.
“I think Khamzat Chimaev can win at any weight,” Jones stated emphatically. “I think he is one of the top fighters on the planet right now.” He elaborated, “I think he is big enough to compete with heavyweights. I think he is still small enough to go down. I think he makes a great welterweight.” Jones even added, “I’d love to see him at light heavyweight. I think he’d do great against these guys like (Alex) Pereira, and (Magomed) Ankalaev, and all these guys.”
To put this in perspective for those newer to MMA, imagine a basketball player dominating as both a point guard and a center – positions requiring vastly different skillsets and body types. That's the kind of potential Jones is seeing in Chimaev.
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And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about size and strength. It's about the adaptability, the wrestling prowess, the striking, and the sheer will to win that Chimaev possesses.
But let’s be real, is this just hype, or is there genuine substance to Jones' claims? Some might argue that the jump to heavyweight is too much, even for someone as talented as Chimaev. The size and power difference is significant. Others might say that cutting down to welterweight would diminish his power and stamina.
Is there anyone who can beat Khamzat Chimaev? He's looked practically invincible so far, but every fighter has a weakness, right? What do you think?
Chimaev's dominant victory over Du Plessis at UFC 319 certainly impressed Jones. So much so, that Jones took to his Instagram Story after the fight to express his admiration and even hint at a desire to train with the newly crowned champion. “Real recognizing real, hope to train with him some time,” Jones wrote.
While that training session hasn't officially happened, the two did share a brief, lighthearted grappling exchange on the street in Russia last November. And even in that informal setting, Chimaev reportedly gave Jones a run for his money.
The big question remains: Can Khamzat Chimaev truly conquer multiple weight classes? Is Jon Jones right about his potential? Or is this just a case of hype outweighing reality? What's your take? Do you see Chimaev dominating at light heavyweight or even heavyweight? Or do you think he's best suited to stay at middleweight and defend his title? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
