Morning Report: Bo Nickal questions potential Khamzat Chimaev title shot, says ‘he’s fought less ‘85ers than me’

It’s an fascinating time atop the UFC middleweight division.

The 185-pound title has turn out to be considerably of a sizzling potato after a latest rotation of champions. Over the previous two years, longtime title holder Israel Adesanya misplaced the belt to Alex Pereira, gained it again then dropped it once more, the second time to Sean Strickland. The brand new titlist Strickland wasn’t capable of grasp on to it both, nonetheless, as he misplaced a cut up choice to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 two weekends in the past. Now, it’s a matter of the place the division goes subsequent.

Du Plessis is open to returning comparatively rapidly for his first title protection, concentrating on the historic UFC 300 date on April 13. Ought to that occur, it appears the highest two choices to combat are the aforementioned Adesanya and the undefeated 13-0 famous person, Khamzat Chimaev. Additionally combating that combat would be the rising prospect Bo Nickal who’s lined as much as combat Cody Brundage. From his seat, Nickal is as unsure in regards to the title scene as the remainder of us.

“They’d been speaking about giving Khamzat [Chimaev] the title [fight], however Khamzat’s been harm, he’s been sick, he’s tousled within the hospital, broke his hand, all this loopy stuff,” Nickal stated on his YouTube channel. “So, I don’t know. Different guys which are arising at ‘85 … there’s actually not that many guys. I don’t even know who’s actually getting up there that would combat for the belt at ‘85.

“There’s good guys however not very many win streaks. Not very many guys which are placing themselves in that place. I’d guess that they do Adesanya.”

Neither Adesanya nor Chimaev have the strongest case to problem subsequent as Adesanya hasn’t fought because the Strickland loss whereas Chimaev has solely lately returned to 185 kilos. That look got here reverse former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, which Chimaev gained by way of majority choice at UFC 294 this previous October.

Chimaev, 29, expressed some frustration together with his state of affairs final week, saying he was promised a title combat can be his subsequent. “Borz” went so far as to name it “bulls***” if he does certainly get handed over

Chimaev has not often been on the receiving finish of callouts since his UFC arrival in 2020 … until your identify is Nickal. A Chimaev vs. Nickal matchup can be an absolute wrestler’s delight if it involves fruition sooner or later. Each males have been as dominant as they may hope for up to now at every level of their careers. The 5-0 (2-0 in UFC) Penn State alum nonetheless hopes for it sooner or later, and couldn’t assist however giggle when evaluating one another at this present juncture.

“Dude, they’re gonna give Khamzat the title shot for certain in some unspecified time in the future,” Nickal stated. “I don’t assume he’s gonna should combat once more till he will get a title shot. Do I feel he deserves that? No. He hasn’t fought a single ‘85er. He’s fought much less ‘85ers than me. My opponents aren’t even on the roster anymore (laughs).

“Brendan Allen’s gained a couple of in a row however he’s not deserving of a title shot. [Paulo] Costa and [Robert] Whittaker [are fighting]. I don’t assume both of these guys will get a title shot with this win. Whittaker simply misplaced to Du Plessis and Costa beat Luke Rockhold in his final combat, however he hasn’t fought in like two years. If Khamzat would have beat Costa then it’s like, okay, simple. No drawback. He beat Usman who’s 170 and had 5 days to prepare. So, I don’t know that he deserves a title shot. It might be combat, I’d prefer to see it, however I don’t know.”

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Possibly. Conor McGregor teases UFC 300 fight, Michael Chandler responds

Mess. ONE 165 results: Shinya Aoki faucets late-notice substitute John Lineker in openweight combat

Upset. Neil Magny knew UFC needed Mike Malott to win: ‘It was very evident what the game plan was’

Wishful. Ryan Bader, Renan Ferreira count on winner of their fight to welcome Francis Ngannou to PFL

Observe-Up. Jon Anik points apology for MMA fan criticism: ‘I used to be in a heightened emotional state’

Roundtable. How do you rate the UFC 300 lineup to this point?

Character? Dricus du Plessis claims Sean Strickland admitted defeat at UFC 297: ‘You undoubtedly beat me’

Repercussions. Jasmine Jasudavicius didn’t take pleasure in making Priscila Cachoeira bleed, however punished her for missing weight

Matchup. Anthony Joshua calls Francis Ngannou boxing match ‘my undisputed title fight’

Transition. Miesha Tate cautions Kayla Harrison on bantamweight transfer: ‘135 is going to really suck the life out of her’

Forgotten. Leah McCourt ‘pissed off’ at being ignored for Cris Cyborg combat

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MMA Preventing’s Damon Martin chats with Max Holloway.

UFC Vegas 85 Promo.

Free fights.

Better of 2023.

Volk’s camp.

Conditioning with Wonderboy.

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Battle week.

May as effectively be.

Tease.

Epic.

Healthful.

Sensible.

Festivities.

Eagle vs. Duck.

Setback.

They develop up so quick.

Water kicks.

Fujino simply may combat eternally.

Borz.

Gotta begin someplace.

That’s Faber-level gnarly.

I nonetheless don’t know.

Sights.

Chandler.

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Jessica Andrade (25-12) vs. Marina Rodriguez (17-3-2); UFC 300, April 13

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Effectively, Bo ain’t fallacious. It’s additionally humorous as a result of I feel Costa beating Whittaker would definitely be justifiable for the shot. On the similar time, Jared Cannonier is simply floating round on the market.

Thanks for studying!

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Final Week’s Outcomes:

Friday: 60% of 559 complete votes answered “Justin Gaethje” when requested, “Who has the best chance of facing Islam Makhachev with a win at UFC 300?“

Thursday: 61% of 366 complete votes answered “Kayla Harrison” when requested, “Which Cris Cyborg matchup was/is more interesting to you?“

Wednesday: 43% of 445 complete votes answered “Is dependent upon the result of the Justin Gaethje combat” when requested, “Which division should Max Holloway fight in after UFC 300?“

Tuesday: 63% of 599 complete votes answered “Tom Aspinall” when requested, “If Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall was booked to happen next for each, who would win?“

Monday: 63% of 517 complete votes answered “Sure” when requested, “Do you have any interest in an eventual Sean Strickland vs. Ian Machado Garry matchup?“

In the present day’s exit ballot:

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