MORRISTOWN, N.J. – Khamzat Chimaev laughed off Conor McGregor calling the UFC middleweight title his.
UFC middleweight champion Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) makes his first title defense against Sean Strickland (30-7 MMA, 17-7 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 328 (Paramount+) main event at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
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McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC), who’s gearing up for his long-awaited return, shared his excitement for the fight – by claiming that the belt is his.
“Very excited for the Newark, New Jersey @ufc card, with my 185lb @ufc title on the line! TUNE IN ON @UFConParamount
Chimaev was asked about McGregor’s comments, and the undefeated phenom reminded him that he hasn’t had gold wrapped around his waist since finishing Eddie Alvarez to claim the UFC lightweight title in 2016. McGregor was later stripped due to inactivity.
“His belt?” Chimaev told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at Wednesday’s UFC 328 media day. “He lost his belt 10 years ago, so I don’t know, this should come off a little bit drugs or is it ‘Proper something’ he’s drinking all the time? Come back to normal and work and let’s fight. I don’t care – boxing. I told Zuffa Boxing people think I’m just a wrestler. I don’t need to use my just boxing. I’m an MMA fighter. If I go to the boxing, I’m going to use it, I’m going to show my boxing, too.”
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This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Khamzat Chimaev responds to McGregor claiming UFC middleweight title
