Khamzat Chimaev insists he is upgrade on Kamaru Usman ahead of UFC 294 clash

Just like a newer version of the iPhone, Khamzat Chimaev claims he’s simply an upgrade on Kamaru Usman ahead of their hugely anticipated clash at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.

Unbeaten in all 12 professional bouts, Chimaev faces the former long-reigning welterweight champion in the co-main event at Etihad Arena on Saturday night.

Usman, who lost his past two fights having won the previous 19, agreed last week to step in for Paulo Costa after the Brazilian was pulled from the card because of an elbow injury.

While the 170lb champion, Usman had been tipped to take on Chimaev, but now will do so at middleweight.

“Since day one, when I get to the UFC, everyone spoke about Khamzat-Usman, Khamzat-Usman, our wrestling skills, our striking, all of these things,” Chimaev, 29, said on Wednesday during the official media day.

“Usman is a fighter like me. But he’s old version, I’m new. He’s different; like [when] iPhones come out. He’s like iPhone 5, and I’m like the Pro.”

When Chimaev’s analogy was later put to Usman, the Nigerian-born American smiled and initially paid respect to his upcoming opponent.

“He’s as advertised,” Usman, 36, said. “He’s very tough, he’s big, he could strike, he could wrestle, he can grapple, he can do it all. So can I. I think he’s as advertised, but you don’t know until you know.

“Ignorance is bliss sometimes. I give him all the props in the world. He’s definitely done everything he needed to do with what he’s been presented with.

UFC Open workout

“But iPhone Pros don’t fit in certain pockets. You might need just a regular iPhone. They both take good pictures, and they both work just fine.”

On taking the fight on short notice, Usman said: “I wanted this. I asked months and months ago. But the company wasn’t