One of the UFC's most intimidating fighters made a chilling threat about MMA star Nate Diaz

• Khamzat Chimaev made a chilling threat to Nate Diaz ahead of their September ruckus.
• "I am going to handle Nate Diaz's funeral," Chimaev said.

Khamzat Chimaev, one of the UFC's most intimidating fighters, made a chilling threat about MMA superstar Nate Diaz ahead of their anticipated showdown September 10.

"I am going to handle Nate Diaz's funeral with the UFC," Chimaev said, according to ESPN.

Chimaev, who has bulldozed his way through much of his UFC competition, is expected to be paired with Diaz, a cult personality in combat sports, for a UFC 279 headliner at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Citing UFC's chief business officer Hunter Campbell, ESPN reported Tuesday that contracts have not yet been signed, but the welterweight fight is being finalized after the athletes verbally agreed to the contest.

Diaz, 37, has been fighting in MMA for almost 20 years and has scored significant wins over top-tier opponents Takanori Gomi, Donald Cerrone, and Conor McGregor.

It is the last fight of Diaz's UFC contract

However, the 170-pound bout with Chimaev is expected to be one of the toughest challenges of his career as the Swedish-Russian fighter appears destined for the championship.

It could also be Diaz's last fight with the UFC as his contract is set to expire.

ESPN said its sources understood the UFC and Diaz were "involved in discussions around a new contract" but the California fighter will instead see out his deal.

It is unclear what Diaz will do outside of the UFC, but he has been linked with a boxing rules contest against box office attraction, novice fighter, and internet sensation Jake Paul.