'Superstar' Khamzat Chimaev can knock out Colby Covington en route to UFC title - Till

Khamzat Chimaev can knock out Colby Covington next to tee up a welterweight title shot against champion Kamaru Usman, according to teammate Darren Till.

The Chechen-born Swede, 27, came through his greatest test to date earlier this month with a unanimous decision victory against Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 in Jacksonville, Florida – a rollercoaster bout that emerged immediately as a Fight of the Year contender.

The win lifted Chimaev from the No 11-ranked contender at welterweight to No 3, with only Leon Edwards (No 2) and Covington between him and pound-for-pound No 1 Usman.

UFC president Dana White said before UFC 273 that he would target Chimaev, now 11-0 in professional MMA, to take on Covington should he get past Burns. Covington, the former interim champion, fought last month, when he rebounded from November’s title defeat to Usman to see off Jorge Masvidal by unanimous decision in Las Vegas. The American’s pro record stands at 17-3.

Speaking to Australian outlet Submission Radio, Till, who has in recent months become a close friend and training partner of Chimaev, said: “I would like to see him fight Colby in a five-round main event, and I think that’s the best thing for both guys. Khamzat can knock him out. I don’t think Colby’s felt power like Khamzat. I’ve changed my opinion a bit because Colby’s a good fighter, but I just don’t see who he’s fighting who’s at the top level right now.

“Obviously Usman, but there’s no one. Khamzat’s obviously come up real quick. I just think Khamzat’s got so much power and edge over him. Listen, Colby’s a terrific fighter. He’s phenomenal. But I see the win there with Khamzat, and I’d love to see that to get him ready for the title for Usman.”

With the Burns win, Chimaev moved to