Forget wins, losses, or performances. The fact that everyone in the MMA bubble is talking about Khamzat Chimaev this morning shows just the kind of impact “Borz” is having on the UFC in just five fights in the promotion. That’s a big deal. As for his 11th pro win and his performance against Gilbert Burns, let’s just point out to the naysayers that this is fighting. In fighting, you will get stunned, knocked down, bloodied, and sometimes beaten. That’s the nature of the beast. It’s what happens after those things happen that define who you are. And in having to dig deeper than he ever has to beat one of the best welterweights in the world after less than a dozen pro fights, Chimaev proved that he’s not a flash in the pan content with life as the hammer, but unable to respond when he’s the nail. He’s a fighter.
