Khamzat Chimaev has stated he would be willing to compete in a boxing match against Conor McGregor under the Zuffa Boxing banner. This represents a potential crossover bout between two high-profile UFC fighters in a boxing-only format. Chimaev's comments suggest openness to exploring opportunities outside traditional MMA competition. No formal negotiations or serious discussions about such a bout have been reported, making this more of a callout or expression of interest. McGregor has not publicly responded to the proposition.
Khamzat Chimaev has publicly expressed willingness to fight Conor McGregor in a boxing match under the Zuffa Boxing banner, floating what would be a marquee crossover bout between two of the sport's most recognizable names. McGregor has not responded to the proposition, and no formal negotiations have been reported.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," carries a 15-1 record and currently sits ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center, is a physically imposing presence at six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach. His MMA game is built on relentless pressure, landing 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 60 percent accuracy while also averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes — a combination that makes him one of the most complete fighters on the roster.
McGregor, the 37-year-old Irishman from SBG Ireland, holds a 22-6 record and remains one of the UFC's biggest stars despite his extended absence from competition. Standing five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach, the southpaw striker has always been most dangerous on the feet, averaging 5.32 significant strikes per minute across his career. A boxing-only format would naturally suit him far better than a mixed rules contest against Chimaev.
Why it matters
- Zuffa Boxing provides a legitimate promotional vehicle for high-profile crossover matchups between UFC fighters
- A boxing format neutralizes Chimaev's elite grappling, shifting the contest entirely to McGregor's preferred domain
- Chimaev is the top-ranked middleweight, making any extended detour into boxing potentially significant for divisional timelines
- The callout remains one-sided for now, with no confirmation of interest from McGregor or his team
