Khamzat Chimaev (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Talk about the possibility of Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev fighting later this year continues to build, as now the latter says he’ll fight the former welterweight champ at any weight.

Since Usman was defeated by current, welterweight king Leon Edwards for a second time, he’s repeatedly said he’s interested in facing Chimaev. But, because Chimaev came in way overweight for a welterweight bout with Nate Diaz last September – canceling the fight – the consensus has been his next fight will be at middleweight.

While recently discussing prospects for his next fight on his YouTube channel, Chimaev reported the UFC is hoping to have him fight on their October 21st card in Abu Dhabi (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“Usman wants to fight. I’ll make his last fight. He wants money, he knows where the money is. Everyone knows the money. Now I’m going to fight this guy in Abu Dhabi and smash his face, finish him, then they have to give me that title shot.”

“…I want to say to Usman,” Chimaev said. “I am ready, just sign the contract. Let’s fight. Let’s make money. You want the money, you want the money fight, let’s go. I’m going to squeeze your head off. [Weight class] it doesn’t matter, let’s go, let’s fight. The weight classes, if you feel the best, you don’t need to speak about weight class. I feel the best, for me it doesn’t matter, I cut on fight night to [170] or [185], all weight classes. I’m the king.”

Chimaev (12-0) ended up fighting Kevin Holland in September – in a catchweight bout at 180 pounds – and won the fight via first-round, submission.

Usman (20-3) fought Edwards for the third time this past March, and lost the rubber match via decison.