Middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has revealed his interest in a future boxing bout against former two-division UFC titleholder Conor McGregor. Chimaev, set to defend his middleweight strap against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 next weekend, has ambitious plans beyond his current division.
Following his potential victory over Strickland, Chimaev intends to move up to the light heavyweight division in pursuit of further accolades. However, his sights are also set on a different kind of challenge against McGregor.
Chimaev’s Boxing Proposal for McGregor
In a recent interview with KYNO TV, Chimaev, known as “Borz,” shared his eagerness for a boxing match with McGregor under the Zuffa Boxing banner. The 31-year-old fighter acknowledged McGregor as one of the UFC’s most skilled boxers and stated that he would welcome the opportunity to face him in a boxing ring if Zuffa Boxing approves.
“I just want to box. A 12-round fight. If Conor is willing to accept, that would be fantastic. He’s a better talker than Sean Strickland, so it would be entertaining.”
Chimaev also expressed admiration for McGregor, citing the Irishman’s 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo in 2015 as a significant motivator for his own journey into professional fighting. He hopes to see McGregor return to the Octagon in 2026.
“When I saw him fight Jose Aldo and learned how much he earned, that’s what inspired me and led me to start in MMA.”
While UFC President Dana White typically discourages fighters from competing under the Zuffa Boxing banner, exceptions are often made for major draws like McGregor. McGregor, who has been inactive since 2021, is rumored to be planning a return to action in July during International Fight Week, potentially against Max Holloway, although an official announcement is still pending.
Notably, McGregor has previously expressed interest in training with Chimaev.