Khamzat Chimaev feels like UFC’s ‘paid killer’ in Nate Diaz fight
The rising star is 11-0 with 10 finishes, while 37-year-old Diaz is entering the final bout on his UFC deal
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Khamzat Chimaev has likened himself to a paid killer ahead of his UFC 279 main event with Nate Diaz.
Rising star Chimaev is 11-0 as a professional mixed martial artist with 10 finishes, while 37-year-old Diaz is entering the final bout on his UFC deal.
Many followers of the sport were critical of the UFC’s decision to pair fan favourite Diaz with the Russian-born Swede, who grew up watching the American but is keen to make a statement in Las Vegas this Saturday (10 September).
When asked by ESPN how he envisions the fight with Diaz going, 28-year-old Chimaev said: “Make some money and smash his head, you know? Have some fun.
“The UFC wants me to kill that guy, I have to do it. I say always, I’m like a killer, you know? They pay for me, I take his head.”
When interviewer Brett Okamoto asked whether Chimaev saw himself as the UFC’s hitman in this weekend’s main event at the T-Mobile Arena, the welterweight said: “Yeah, I’m like that.”
Diaz last fought in June 2021, suffering a decision defeat by Leon Edwards, who went on to win the UFC welterweight title this August.
Meanwhile, Chimaev last competed in April, winning a narrow decision against former title challenger Gilbert Burns, who became the first man not to be finished by the “Wolf” in MMA.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments