Li Jingliang reacts to Khabib picking Khamzat Chimaev to win at UFC 267

Li Jingliang is ready to prove Khabib Nurmagomedov and Khamzat Chimaev wrong at UFC 267.

Jingliang vs. Chimaev takes place on the main card of UFC 267, which will occur inside Etihad Arena on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates this weekend (Sat., Oct. 30), streaming online via ESPN+. The former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight champion took part in a Q&A earlier this month and predicted that Chimaev would maul Jingliang on the ground.

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“I think it’s just Khabib’s personal opinion because he is also a grappler. So he likes the style of Khamzat,” Jingliang told MMAMania.com. “There are also people who think I don’t have striking. Everyone has their own opinion.

“He has his advantages and I have my own advantages,” he continued.

Chimaev’s unprecedented rise through the UFC was significantly stalled by long-term health complications from COVID-19. “The Leech” (No. 11) was asked if the Chimaev fight is a lottery draw, getting an unranked fighter with high name value at what appears to be a vulnerable moment.

“For me, the biggest thing is not hype or a lottery. For me, it’s enjoying the process. I think winning is the only thing that matters,” he says. “We’re not YouTubers, we’re fighters.

“I don’t think the long layoff could influence him because they are all experienced athletes,” he concluded.

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