Outside Source
Aliskerov was recently asked about a potential rematch with Khamzat Chimaev on short notice. With Chimaev being the champion, Aliskerov said it would be foolish to turn down a title fight. Chimaev fired back at Aliskerov for calling for a rematch. “Borz” argued that he is accused of being anti-ethnic when he calls for fights with Dagestanis, but the same doesn’t apply to Dagestanis like Aliskerov.
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Aliskerov defeated Jun Yong Park at UFC 321 this past weekend in Abu Dhabi. Aliskerov subsequently explained that his feud with Chimaev started from a misunderstanding. Aliskerov allegedly said that he isn’t interested in a rematch against Chimaev right now. Aliskerov is well aware that he has miles to go before he can even start talking about fighting Chimaev. However, Aliskerov was later asked if he would fight Chimaev on a day’s notice. Aliskerov said he would accept the offer since Chimaev is the champion. According to Aliskerov, he would never turn down a short-notice title fight, regardless of who the champion was. Aliskerov explained that his answer was more about a short-notice title fight than a rematch against Chimaev. They will probably bury the hatchet soon, as Aliskerov claims to share a good relationship with “Borz.”
‘We’re Like Brothers’
“Listen, Khamzat misunderstood,” Aliskerov said at his post-fight media scrum. “The question was asked like this, ‘Hey, how do you feel about a rematch with Chimaev?’ I said, ‘Hey, I’m not interested in that rematch.’ Look where I am and where Khamzat is. Khamzat is the champion. To get to him… I have to go through a meat grinder. Before I can even talk about a rematch with Chimaev. The question was framed like, ‘What if you get a call tomorrow to fight Khamzat on short notice?’ Even if it’s not Khamzat but a guy from my gym, the question is about the belt. Whoever it is, Khamzat or anyone else, if someone is offered a title fight, a short notice shot at the belt, against the best in the world, and they turn it down because they are not ready, then I don’t consider them a fighter… As for Khamzat, I get on with him very well. We text, I see him, I hug him. We’re like brothers.”
Aliskerov’s only loss before joining the UFC came via a first-round knockout against Chimaev at Brave CF in 2019. Chimaev later acknowledged Aliskerov as the toughest matchup of his career. Aliskerov is 4-1 in the UFC with three first-round finishes, while only losing to former champ Robert Whittaker on short notice.
After Khamzat Chimaev reacted angrily to Ikram Aliskerov’s comments about taking a short-notice title fight, Ikram clears the air at the UFC 321 post-fight press conference 🗣️
“Khamzat misunderstood. I said I’m not interested in a rematch. The question was about the belt —… pic.twitter.com/vaIgwkUMHz
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 26, 2025
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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