Khamzat Chimaev andGilbert Burns are trying to organize a major showdown in theUFC .- Rising
MMA star Chimaev leaked Twitter messages in which both fighters seemingly agreed to a bout.
Khamzat Chimaev and Gilbert Burns are trying to negotiate a big UFC fight, according to Twitter DMs leaked by the Swedish fighter.
The welterweight fighters are among the biggest names in the 170-pound division, and talked in private about a prospective match in the coming months.
Chimaev released the messages after agreeing to a fight.
According to a screenshot of the conversation, which Chimaev posted on his Instagram Stories, Burns suggested competing on April 9.
That's the date UFC 273 is expected to take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Few fights have been confirmed for that date, and so Chimaev and Burns would add significant star power to the show.
Responding, Chimaev said: "Yes, brother. Let's go," alongside a handshake emoji.
Chimaev is one of the most intimidating fighters in the UFC roster
UFC signed Chimaev in 2020 after the Chechnya-born Swedish fighter excelled with the Middle East fight firm Brave CF.
He made his long-awaited UFC debut during the pandemic-era of combat
Insider was in the United Arab Emirates for the festival and heard a UFC executive excitedly proclaim Chimaev as the greatest prospect in the entire sport.
It took Chimaev little more than two rounds to submit John Phillips in his first-ever UFC bout, before knocking Rhys McKee out in a single round 10 days later.
Chimaev has now had four UFC fights and 10 MMA bouts in total, yet he has rarely ever been troubled in the cage — such is his ruthless dominance in this sport.
He has also gained headlines for his inflammatory talk out of the ring. In October 2021, Chimaev said he planned to take the heart of his opponent Li Jingliang, and "kill" him.
While Chimaev has beaten all comers so far, a bout against Burns, who is renowned for his expert grappling, would provide a significant step-up in terms of competition.