UFC: Khamzat Chimaev could be fighting Neil Magny next

UFC President Dana White came out today and said the Khamzat Chimaev (9-0) is the toughest guy to book in the promotion right now. The Russian superstar is not ranked in any division and multiple top contenders have turned down fights against him.

Michael Chiesa laid out good reasoning on why no top UFC fighter would want that fight. The risk far outweighs the reward for many top contender. Because of this, the UFC has struggled to find Chimaev an opponent for his next fight.

The UFC is wanting Chimaev to headline in his next fight against a highly ranked opponent. They appear to be fast-tracking their undefeated star. However, getting a top contender to agree to the matchup is a much bigger problem than Dana White expected.

However, there is one top fifteen fighter who is asking for the fight. That guy would be Neil Magny (24-7). Magny has been very public about his interest in fighting the undefeated prospect. While nobody seems to want that fight, Magny is all about it.

In his interview with ESPN today, White said that Magny was virtually the only guy willing to take the fight. He also said that the UFC would be announcing something soon in terms of who Khamzat Chimaev would be fighting next.

UFC Cinderella Run for Magny?

What a 2020 it has been for Neil Magny. After getting suspended due to USADA, Magny has stormed back into the UFC this year with three straight wins. All three wins have come since March, and his last win was his most impressive.

Back in August, Magny took on former UFC welterweight champion, Robbie Lawler, Magny controlled the fight from the beginning to the end. It was the biggest win of Magny’s UFC career. However, Chimaev would present the greatest challenge.

The top prospect has already shown how good he is on the ground. Then, in his last fight, he starched Gerald Meerschaert in 14 seconds on the feet. He appears to be the total package and the majority of the UFC seems to be a little on edge about facing the Russian.

Magny is ready to take on the challenge. Given Magny’s willingness to take the fight and Dana White’s comments, I think Magny is the clubhouse favorite to headline opposite Khamzat Chimaev. I don’t know what odds I’d give him, but Magny is gaining a ton of respect from the UFC.Â