What’s next for Khamzat Chimaev?

After a very spectacular hard fought decision win over Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 who should his next opponent be? I believe after beating the number 2 welterweight in the world it has opened the door for multiple options. He did have a long grueling fight with Burns so I believe he’ll take some time off to recover and get back to fighting shape. When Chimaev does decide to take another bout he will have many options, the first that comes to mind is Colby Covington. Colby is ranked #1 and it makes sense, since Chimaev just beat Burns who was ranked #2. If the fight ever does come to fruition it will be one of the biggest fights the promotion ever did. It can be a main event on a pay per view and sell tons of pay per views. The only thing I can see preventing the fight is what’s happening behind the scenes with Covington and Masvidal and all the legal things and charges Covington has put on Masvidal. Another worthy opponent would be Leon Edwards if he loses his title shot against Kamaru Usman. If Leon does lose against Usman, Chimaev would be a great bounce back fight. Also the winner of Vicente Luque and Belal Muhammed would be a good opponent for Chimaev; it could be a title eliminator.

I would personally like Chimaev and Sean Brady to fight because I believe they are the future of the welterweight division. I also believe Chimaev wouldn’t mind taking that fight since he seems to be open for anything. The last thing I can think of for Chimaev is a rematch against Gilbert Burns. Their first fight was with fireworks and it was very intense. Their fight is a fight of the year candidate. I believe no one would say no to a rematch, it’ll just be an even bigger fight and the UFC would benefit from it again. I think the time Khamzat Chimaev will take off will give the welterweight division time to figure out things. Especially with the future of the welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman he’s recently talked about retirement and even a boxing match with Canelo Alvarez. I believe after his fight with Leon Edwards we will know what’s the future of the division.