Khamzat Chimaev is one day away from the biggest fight of his burgeoning career at UFC 273. The Sweden-based resident displayed an unshakeable confidence during the build up to the matchup against Gilbert Burns. However, Darren Till, his new friend, wants to stress that nerves can always be present.
Another friend of Till, Tom Aspinall made history recently as the fastest to win five UFC fights. On Saturday night, if Chimaev can manage to defeat the UFC’s No. 2 ranked welterweight Burns in 90 seconds, he’ll beat Aspinall’s time.
“I’m not gonna say I want Khamzat to do it but obviously it would be nice to see that then they’re both competing for that, you know what I mean?” Till told TheMacLife regarding the record.
” They’re both incredible athletes. I am also a huge fan. This sport, what we do — Kamaru Usman, he posted something the other day that hit home with me a lot and I’m sure with a lot of other fighters. 99 percent of the world don’t know what it’s like to be under them lights and face adversity and fear. Listen, for myself as well, I don’t want to talk a lot about excuses but in the past, what I’ve faced, people don’t know the half of it. To face that fear and adversity, it’s .”
Similar to Chimaev’s career, Till started his career unbeaten before challenging for the UFC welterweight title against Tyron Woodley. Till’s lone UFC title opportunity didn’t go in his favor and ultimately led him up to the middleweight division where he’s yet to find his footing with a 1-2 record.
Although Till’s hype wasn’t as high as that of Chimaev during his unbeaten run of fights, he is well-acquainted with the bright spotlight and continues to be one of the most beloved fighters in the sport.
“For Khamzat Saturday, you’d be a fool to say he’s not nervous going in there,” Till said. “Obviously, his mentality’s bulletproof and he knows he’s gonna win. You’re now in the arena, and you have to face all those people waiting and hoping. .”
TOP STORIES
Bonus. UFC to debut Crypto.com Bitcoin ‘Fan Bonus of the Night’ for fighters at UFC 273.
Return. Anderson Silva to fight Bruno Machado during an eight-round exhibition match at Dubai.
Trouble. Conor McGregor faces 6 charges for alleged dangerous driving incident in March.
Beef. Luke Rockhold to Paulo Costa: ‘You’re just a b****, and your steroids aren’t working anymore.’
Intensity. Khamzat Chimaev slams table during heated exchange with Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 presser.
VIDEO STEW
UFC 273 Pre-Fight Press Conference.
UFC 273 Preview with Jon Anik.
Embedded 4.
UFC 273: Fighters You Should Know.
Khamzat Chimaev’s path to UFC stardom.
Must see Moments From the LHW Grand Prix So Far.
LISTEN UP
Heck Of A Morning. MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck ponders whether or not Aljamain Sterling is being overlooked ahead of UFC 273 rematch with Petr Yan.
UFC 273 Pre-Fight Press Conference Reaction. MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Jose Youngs and others discuss the events at Thursday’s press conference.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
History is repeated …?
I’ll just leave this here!!!
#P4P pic.twitter.com/AdJwFrOkpv
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) April 7, 2022
Conor has been hyped.
Great to see all the young pups up there @ufc today! Face offs are always held here. This will be corrected going forward. This is awesome! Is it a “big fights feel” somewhat right now with this card? I think so! We must fight for it! 60g’z Dana!
Up the bonus, let them go for it!— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 7, 2022
What a company! Congratulations to ari, and pat for the new packets. Half a b. Tasty! Rooting for @ParadigmSports team mate @MackenzieDern here! You can feel the confidence! Incredible!
Really exciting fight this one!
The Tiny Tornado vs The Brazilian Bomb! https://t.co/7JSxGRoPnt— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 7, 2022
CCC is serious.
Let’s cut all the bs @TheNotoriousMMA
DOUBLE CHAMP vs DOUBLE CHAMP
Champs across 4 different divisions
Who will become the 1st 3-division champ?
You got a 10-in reach advantage. I’ll even fight at 155. Let me expose you McTapper. x
NEW EP: https://t.co/sueWR2Vbke pic.twitter.com/h5kfPW2VaP
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) April 8, 2022
Frankie.
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) April 7, 2022
Swing and a miss.
“Imagine if I missed (ha ha ha ha)”
MISSES
I had the BEST day hanging out with @CrescentTools and @chadmendes in Apex, NC.
We got to meet so many cool people, destroy things and throw axes.
I’m super proud to be a part of the #CrescentTools #CrescentToolsMMA team pic.twitter.com/BuPSFYKmDX— Jessy Jess (@missjessyjess) April 8, 2022
T’is love.
Why everyone wants kiss this beautiful old man? pic.twitter.com/HqkD2ksJEP
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) April 7, 2022
I was a model like RockhOld, before I got muscle pic.twitter.com/loiRSFjb8w
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) April 7, 2022
Jake is making new friends.
T.T. is ready.
Silvana in good company.
BJJ royalty.
Sanford.
Soon.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Aaron Pico (9-3) vs. Adli Edwards (9-1); Bellator 277, Apr. 15
Gaston Bolanos (5-3) vs. Daniel Carey (7-5); Bellator 277, Apr. 15
Tofiq Musayev (18-4) vs. Zach Zane (15-11); Bellator 278, Apr. 22
Ayaka Miura (11-4) vs. Dayana Souza (8-1-1); ONE: Reloaded, Apr 22
Jordan Wright (12-2) vs. Roman Kopylov (8-2); UFC Vegas 52, Apr. 23
Marcin Prachnio (15-5) vs. Philipe Lins (14-5); UFC Vegas 52, Apr. 23
FINAL THOUGHTS
Happy Friday, folks. Enjoy the weekend of action and thanks for reading.
EXIT POLL
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