Khamzat Chimaev is without a doubt the most exciting UFC prospect right now. Chimaev who was once considered the most active fighter in the entire UFC roaster has surprisingly not entered the octagon in the past six months. Former welterweight title challenger and Chimaev’s training partner Darren Till is of the opinion that ‘Borz’ would be the toughest test for the current 170lbs champ Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards.
Darren Till predicts Khamzat Chimaev becomes #UFC welterweight champ, but sees Leon Edwards as his toughest test https://t.co/jy7BqKFDdl
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) April 10, 2023
“I think he’s going to be the welterweight world champion. I really do,” Till said “I’ve changed my mind on who I think is going to be his toughest fight as well. I used to think Usman or Colby would be his toughest fight. I actually think Leon could be his toughest fight. Just because of his takedown defense and his striking. If I had to say his toughest fight in the welterweight division, I think it would be Leon… I’d like to see Khamzat get one more fight before he fights Leon, or potentially just fight Leon straight away.”
Till was recently in the news after being released from the UFC roaster as many suspected the Liverpudlian’s retirement from the sport. Till immediately dismissed any talks off retirement and talked about some big plans that he wants to execute in future. He said, “What’s happening everyone, Me, Dana (White) & Hunter (Campbell) are still cool as f***. I asked UFC 2 remove me just 2 sort some other s*** for the foreseeable.” He continued, “They happily agreed to release me out of contract which I appreciate. I’m not going anywhere, got big plans to execute & I’ll be back.”
What’s next for Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards?
After convincingly defeating Kamaru Usman in the trilogy, Edwards has established himself as the best 170lbs fighter on the planet. Usman who was for the longest of times considered as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world seems to be out of the title contention for a while. Chimaev who Till believes will pose the biggest threat to the champ might not ever fight in the welterweight division again after missing weight by a massive eight pound margin in his last outing.
After securing a dominant victory against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 287, the current number fifth ranked welterweight Gilbert Burns has strengthened his case for the title as well. But above all UFC president Dana White is adamant to give the current number 2 ranked Colby Covington a shot at the title. One can never predict what happens in the UFC but after the Edwards take over, the welterweight division is certainly back to life with loads of interesting match-ups in the future.
