Neil Magny is happy to put his ranking on the line against Khamzat Chimaev in a UFC main event.
UFC president Dana White recently revealed that his plan for Chimaev (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC), who has quickly become one of the promotion’s top prospect with three wins in 66 days to kick off his octagon tenure, is to book him in a main event matchup against a ranked opponent.
White did not reveal exactly who that opponent would be, but given the stage and stakes, it will seemingly be someone with a high profile.
Magny (24-7 MMA, 17-6 UFC), who has the second most wins in the history of the UFC welterweight division, is apparently willing to oblige. He responded to White’s comments, and said he’s ready to accept a five-round with Chimaev in November the moment it’s offered (via Instagram):
What’s the hold up? I’m ready to scrap any day in November 🤷♂️ @ufc
Chimaev is coming off a 17-second knockout of Gerald Meerschaert at UFC on ESPN+ 36 this month. The finish took his hype to another stratosphere, with UFC boss White calling the Russian “one of the most special fighters” he’s seen during his many years promoting MMA.
A matchup with Magny, who is an honorable mention in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie MMA welterweight rankings, would be a serious litmus test, though. Magny has won five of his past six and is coming off a win over former UFC champ Robbie Lawler. His grinding style has been a problem for many over the years, and, on paper, would present Chimaev with his sternest challenge thus far.
