Former UFC contender Darren Till has ignited debate by claiming that Khamzat Chimaev could leave behind a legacy greater than Khabib Nurmagomedov’s. While Khabib retired with an untouchable 29-0 record and an aura of invincibility, Till believes that Chimaev’s raw talent, versatility, and longevity will push him beyond “The Eagle” in MMA history.
Chimaev, undefeated at 14-0, has already proven himself a dominant force across multiple weight classes, unlike Khabib, who exclusively fought at lightweight. His blend of elite grappling and striking has led many to draw comparisons to the Dagestani legend, but Till argues that Chimaev’s career trajectory could be even more significant.
Why Till Thinks Chimaev Will Surpass Khabib
Speaking in an interview with Genting Casino, Till broke down why he believes Chimaev has the potential to outshine Khabib in the long run.
Khabib was incredibly dominant. But he didn’t stay in the game long enough. He left at his peak, which is respectable, but I think Khamzat has the chance to dominate for years across multiple divisions.
Till, who trained closely with Chimaev before transitioning to boxing, has witnessed his relentless work ethic firsthand. Even after parting ways professionally, he remains one of Chimaev’s biggest supporters.
Chimaev’s Road to Greatness
Chimaev’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. His recent win over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 cemented his place as a title contender, and a showdown with middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis seems inevitable. Till believes this fight will showcase Chimaev’s superiority. Till said confidently:
I think Chimaev is gonna run through him. […] Du Plessis is tough, but Khamzat is on another level. I see him taking the title with ease.
Unlike Khabib, who dominated with his grappling but stayed within one weight class, Chimaev has already proven himself capable in both welterweight and middleweight. If he continues this path, he could follow in the footsteps of legends like Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva by capturing titles in multiple divisions.
Can Chimaev Truly Eclipse Khabib?
Surpassing Khabib isn’t just about wins—it’s about impact. Khabib’s influence on the sport, particularly in promoting Dagestani wrestling, has been monumental. However, some critics argue that retiring at 32 left unanswered questions about how he would have fared against the next wave of challengers.
Chimaev, on the other hand, is still climbing toward his peak. At 29, he has the opportunity to dominate for years, provided he stays healthy and continues evolving. His aggressive style, coupled with his ability to finish fights, has already captivated fans and made him one of the UFC’s biggest rising stars.
Darren Till’s prediction may seem bold, but if Chimaev keeps winning and adds multiple championships to his name, the conversation about the greatest fighter of all time could shift. For now, the MMA world watches, waiting to see if “Borz” can truly soar past “The Eagle.”
