Coach defends ‘no means easy fight’ for Khamzat Chimaev against Nate Diaz

Andreas Michael, the head coach of undefeated UFC welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev has defended the UFC’s recent booking of a heavily-scrutinized headliner between his student and the veteran, Nate Diaz – denying that the September matchup will come as an “easy fight” for Chimaev.

Undefeated in his professional career, Chechen-born finisher, Chimaev turned his fifth consecutive UFC victory earlier this year in April, defeating one-time welterweight title chaser, Gilbert Burns over the course of three rounds in a tough, unanimous decision win at UFC 273. 

For Diaz, the Stockton veteran has been sidelined since June of last year where he featured on the main card of UFC 263 against incoming title chaser, Leon Edwards, suffering a one-sided, unanimous decision loss over the course of five rounds.

In the time since, however, Diaz, who previously challenged for promotional lightweight spoils, has campaigned for his release from the organization. And come the conclusion of his September headliner with Chimaev, the Cesar Gracie student will exit the UFC as he completes his contractual obligations.

In the midst of the booking of Chimaev vs. Diaz, critics have slammed the UFC for pairing the veteran with the streaking former, however, AllStars MMA trainee, Chimaev has found defense in the form of his head coach, Michael, who denies that his student has a relatively care-free fight in front of him.

“It’s bullsh*t,” Andreas Michael during a recent interview with Submission Radio, previewing Khamzat Chimaev’s return. “Pure bullsh*t. Like, Nate Diaz has fought (everyone), and given Leon Edwards a run for his money. Like, alright, Leon Edwards was winning every rounds, but he gave Leon Edwards a tough fight. He’s by no means an easy opponent for us. And Nate Diaz is probably gonna make money.” 

Prior to his victory against Burns in Jacksonville, Florida – Chimaev had turned in a quartet of hugely dominant wins over Li Jingliang, Gerald Meerschaert, Rhys McKee, and John Philips.

Ross Markey

Senior writer for FightBook MMA. An aspiring mixed martial arts reporter based in Ireland. Producer of news articles, interviews, opinion features, and exclusive features such as, ‘The Fallout’, ‘The Breakdown, and, ‘This Week In MMA’.