Could there be a fighter so dominant that even Jon Jones, arguably the greatest of all time, believes they could conquer any weight class? Absolutely. Jon Jones has singled out one UFC phenom as potentially the 'toughest fighter on the planet,' and the implications are staggering.
Jones, a legend himself and a constant presence in GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) discussions, clearly knows talent when he sees it. And it doesn't take a seasoned expert to recognize the raw power and skill of the current middleweight champion, Khamzat Chimaev.
Chimaev, the undefeated Chechen sensation, boasts a perfect professional record of 15-0, with all nine of his UFC victories coming inside the Octagon. His most recent triumph, a dominant performance against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319, not only crowned him the middleweight champion at 185 pounds but also solidified Jones' already sky-high opinion of 'Borz.' Jones believes this 31-year-old powerhouse has the potential to amass even more championship gold.
But here's where it gets interesting... Jones isn't just predicting success for Chimaev in his current division. He sees a potential reign of terror across four different weight classes.
In a recent interview with Red Corner MMA in Thailand, where Jones was coaching ALF Reality against his longtime rival Daniel Cormier, the topic of Chimaev arose. Jones didn't hold back in expressing his belief in the Chechen fighter's potential.
He didn't just suggest Chimaev could excel in his former division, welterweight (170 pounds). Jones went further, asserting that the 15-0 phenomenon could compete with the best fighters in weight classes above his current middleweight title. This includes light heavyweight (205 pounds) and even heavyweight (265 pounds)!
"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."
Jones 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."
"I’d love to see him at light heavyweight," Jones continued. "I think he’d do great against these guys like (Alex) Pereira, and (Magomed) Ankalaev, and all these guys." Imagine Chimaev facing off against those titans!
And this is the part most people miss... it’s not just about size. It’s about Chimaev's relentless pressure, his grappling prowess, and his seemingly limitless cardio. He's a nightmare matchup for almost anyone.
Chimaev’s dominance has left many wondering: Is there anyone who can truly beat him? His undefeated record speaks for itself, but in the unpredictable world of MMA, nothing is guaranteed. Some might argue that his aggressive style could leave him vulnerable to a well-timed counter-strike from a skilled striker. Others might point to potential issues with weight cutting if he attempts to move down to welterweight. Could a strategic game plan focused on avoiding the ground game neutralize his strengths? That’s up for debate.
Beyond his predictions, Jones has also expressed a desire to train with Chimaev. Impressed by Chimaev's title-winning performance against Du Plessis at UFC 319, Jones took to his Instagram Story to voice his admiration. "Real recognizing real, hope to train with him some time," Jones wrote.
While a formal training session hasn't materialized, the two did share a lighthearted grappling exchange in the streets of Russia last November. A brief encounter, but a glimpse into the respect and mutual admiration between these two elite fighters.
So, what do you think? Is Khamzat Chimaev truly capable of winning titles in multiple weight divisions? Could he dethrone even the most established champions? And, perhaps more controversially, is Jon Jones' praise genuine, or is there a strategic element at play, perhaps a desire to test himself against the best and further solidify his own legacy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
