Former Bellator welterweight champion Andrey Koreshkov spoke exclusively to Telecomasia.net about the potential matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Nassourdine Imamov.
"If Chimaev fights like he did before, he has a good chance against Imamov. I was a bit skeptical about Khamzat at first because I hadn't seen him face serious challenges. Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman gave him a tough fight at 77 kg," Koreshkov stated.
Andrey Koreshkov exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport
I thought Robert Whittaker would be a good test for Chimaev at 84 kg. I believed Robert could withstand Khamzat's early bursts and win through endurance and experience. But Chimaev dominated Whittaker. I don't know if Imamov can handle him. If he keeps fighting like this, Chimaev will be the next champion. He is the favorite in the fight against Imamov.
Nassourdine Imamov stopped Israel Adesanya in the sixth minute of the main event at UFC Fight Night 250, improving his record to 16-4 with one no contest. Khamzat Chimaev has won eight bouts in the UFC and is currently ranked third in the middleweight division.
