Chimaev: I flew to Ireland 'to beat up' McGregor before Khabib fight
The legend of Khamzat Chimaev, arguably the biggest star to emerge at Fight Island, continues to grow.
The UFC newcomer claimed Wednesday on Twitter that he flew to Ireland to hunt down Conor McGregor before the former two-division champion's fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018.
True story I flew to Ireland before Khabib fight to beat up Conor mcgregor for what he said about our honor but they would not let me in the country. You need big security @TheNotoriousMMA weak man
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) July 29, 2020
Controversy marred the run-up to McGregor's bout with Nurmagomedov - which the latter won via fourth-round submission to retain the lightweight title. The pre-fight tensions culminated in McGregor throwing a metal dolly at a bus containing Nurmagomedov and other UFC fighters.
Chimaev, meanwhile, burst onto the scene at Fight Island by setting a modern-era record with two wins - one at middleweight and one at welterweight - in 10 days. The 26-year-old's star is now shining so bright that UFC president Dana White is attempting to get him a third fight at UFC 252 on Aug. 15.
The Sweden-based fighter outstruck his two opponents, John Phillips and Rhys McKee, by a combined mark of 192-2. Chimaev's domination has led some to speculate he could receive a ranked opponent next.
McGregor's last fight - a first-round TKO win over Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone in January - was the Irishman's first at welterweight since his legendary bouts against Nate Diaz. Chimaev is expected to try to conquer that division.
Though Chimaev will likely need a few more eye-popping wins to find his way onto McGregor's radar, any future feud between the two fighters now has an intriguing backstory.