Khamzat Chimaev entered the UFC record books in a way that’s going to be hard to beat Saturday at UFC on ESPN 14.
Chimaev (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) set a new mark for shortest gap between octagon victories in the modern era when he beat Rhys McKee (10-3-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) by first-round TKO in their welterweight bout just 10 days after submitting John Phillips at UFC on ESPN 13 on July 15.
Chas Skelly previously held the record for quickest turnaround between UFC wins at 13 days (not including one-night-tournaments during the UFC’s early days), which he set back in 2014. Many believed that record would be tough to top given the UFC schedule layout, but with the promotion firing off events in rapid fashion on “Fight Island,” Chimaev took advantage and got the job done twice at Flash Forum at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
What makes Chimaev’s feat even more impressive and unique, is the fact he did it across two weight classes. His finish of Phillips came in the middleweight division, then he dropped down to 170 pounds and beat McKee by quickly taking the Northern Ireland native down and battering him with ground-and-pound until the referee stepped in at the 3:09 mark of Round 1.
The accomplishment has managed to put the 26-year-old on the radar of UFC fans in short order. Many did not know who Chimaev was prior to his UFC debut, but his quick turnaround garnered him much attention, so they know now.
Check out his history-making work below:
