Khamzat Chimaev includes Alex Poatan and Conor McGregor in assembling the 'perfect UFC fighter'

Chimaev cited Poatan when assembling the 'perfect fighter' (Photo: Montage/SUPER LUTAS)

On the eve of fighting for his first Ultimate belt, against Dricus du Plessis in the main fight of UFC 319, this Saturday (16), Khamzat Shimaev showed a more relaxed side and put together what he considers to be the organization's "perfect fighter." In an interview with TNT Sports, the Chechen chose attributes of big MMA stars and included the Brazilian Alex Poatán on the list.

Just kidding, Khamzat Shimaev He received a few criteria and had to fill them with UFC athletes. Self-confident as usual, the 'Wolf' chose himself for three of them: power, wrestling, and punch resistance. Alex Poatán was the Chechen's choice to occupy the leg kicks.

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The other athletes mentioned by Chimaev were: Demetrious Johnson, by fighting IQ, Merab Dvalishvili, by gas and Conor McGregor, for his microphone skills.

Poatan's mention on the list isn't new to the Chechen. In 2023, when the Brazilian still reigned supreme at middleweight, Chimaev even projected a potential matchup and expressed complete confidence in a quick victory.

"He's the easiest fight for me in the UFC, maybe in my career. First round, first minute. Easy. Without taking a hit, nothing," the challenger declared in an interview with The MMA Hour.

This Saturday (16), Khamzat Shimaev is competing for a UFC belt for the first time. Undefeated in his career, the Chechen faces the champion Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight title, in the main fight of the UFC 319, in Chicago (USA).