5 reasons why Khamzat Chimaev could become the next UFC welterweight champion

#2. Khamzat Chimaev is a fast starter

Even though Khamzat Chimaev has only had four fights in the UFC, they have all ended somewhat quickly. After making a name for himself on Fight Island last year, the welterweight had already set his name ablaze in the UFC. Once he dispatched Meerschaert, many began to understand that not only is 'Borz' a speed demon in each fight, but he's becoming a star of the sport.

Thus far, Khamzat Chimaev's longest fight came in his UFC debut against John Phillips. The welterweight made it to round two before succumbing to a D'Arce choke. Outside of his contest with Phillips, Chimaev's other three octagon appearances have all ended within the first round.

The 27-year-old's tendency to end fights quickly did not start in the UFC. Engrained in his fighting style, 'Borz' made quick work of his first few opponents. In his second professional MMA bout, Chimaev submitted Ole Magnor within a single round. Khamzat Chimaev's tendency to start fast will help accelerate him toward a UFC title shot.

Whether it's a submission or a finishing sequence while striking, Khamzat Chimaev is extremely dangerous in the opening segments of any fight. Granted, the welterweight is a few steps away from challenging for welterweight gold, but he does have all of the prerequisites to be an exciting new challenger to the throne.

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#1. Khamzat Chimaev has the personality to ascend up the 170-pound ladder

It's no secret that sometimes, to earn a title shot, fighters have to do more than fight; they have to promote themselves. Khamzat Chimaev has not been shy about his intentions in the UFC. The welterweight star is keen on rising to the top and 'eating and killing' all who stand in his way.

Khamzat Chimaev has the right personality to become a UFC star. With just the proper amount of mystique, many wonder just how good 'Borz' really is. Equipped with lightning-quick performances and a rounded-out skillset, it appears his ceiling in the UFC is sky-high.

While his callouts of Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman might have missed the mark today, tomorrow could be different, given Khamzat Chimaev's meteoric rise. In his last fight against Li Jingliang, Chimaev reached new heights after picking Li up off the ground and slamming him in front of UFC president Dana White.

Reminiscent of Nurmagomedov's performance against Michael Johnson, Chimaev understands the UFC hype machine. With yet another performance where he was hardly touched, the mystique of Chimaev grows.

Khamzat Chimaev's chances at a title shot continue to amplify in the wake of some of the most one-sided octagon beatings seen in the UFC.