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Khamzat Chimaev has revealed that he's enjoyed being booed by fans after UFC 279 sparked his fans' perceived villain arc.
Prior to UFC 279, Khamzat Chimaev was one of the most popular fighters on the roster due to his dominance in the octagon. His fans have tipped him for greatness. However, the controversy surrounding his main-event fight against Nate Diaz has swayed some fan perceptions.
Chimaev missed weight by a staggering 7.5lbs and the card was forced into a reshuffle. The PPV still went ahead as Chimaev fought Kevin Holland instead but many fans were frustrated by the 28-year-old's attitude. The Chechen fighter showed little remorse for his actions and flipped off the booing crowds at both the ceremonial weigh-ins and on fight night.
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In a recent interview with ESPN MMA's Brett Okamoto, Khamzat Chimaev was asked about being booed by fans. According to 'Borz', having the crowd actively root against him only makes him a better fighter:
"The crowd gives you a lot of energy. When everyone is against you, how do I explain. When you are going down, almost dead, the crowd are like a charger and you get 100% and are ready to jump in the cage and kill somebody...It makes me, I become crazy, to show them I can do it. Yeah. I like everything, this is the game."
Catch the full interview here:
Kevin Holland says he's "staying away" from Khamzat Chimaev
Kevin Holland has joked that he needs to keep his distance from Khamzat Chimaev following their altercation and eventual bout at UFC 279.
'Borz' wasn't the only one at the heart of the controversy for missing weight at the PPV. A physical altercation backstage led to the cancelation of one of the most anticipated pre-fight press conferences in recent history.
According to Dana White, Khamzat Chimaev, Nate Diaz and Kevin Holland were involved in a heat exchange that turned physical. The UFC president made the call that it would be safer for fighters and fans if the presser didn't take place.
Looking back on the event and his first-round submission loss to Chimaev, 'Trailblazer' remained his ever-charismatic self. He joked that he's definitely steering clear of the Chimaev:
"It seems like he [Chimaev] always finishes things. He starts them, finishes them, he's just fu**ing me up, you know. I'm staying away from that guy."
Catch Holland's interview with The Schmo here:
