Neil Magny likes the idea of fighting Khamzat Chimaev next, as long as it doesn’t take too long to book.
After Chimaev knocked out Gerald Meerschaert, Magny was vocal when many fighters weren’t, in calling out the Swede. However, since then, Chimaev was booked against Leon Edwards, but got COVID-19 and retired. Yet, he says he will return this summer.
When Chimaev returns, it’s uncertain who he would fight. Yet, Magny says he wants the fight as long as he’s ready to go by the summer. If not, the perennial welterweight contender would face someone else.
“I’m at this point where Khamzat is this great competitor. I can definitely fight him and propel my career forward. But at the same time, I can’t put my career and life on hold to hope that he’s better,” Magny said after his win. “The guy has pulled out of three fights over the last few months. So for me to kind of put all my eggs in one basket and wait for him and hope that he’s ready this summer, it’s just foolish on my end.
“I think if he prioritizes getting healthy and can actually complete a camp and show up to a fight, then sure, that’s a fight that I’m definitely interested in,” Magny continued. “But as far as putting my life on hold for him, I have things that I want to accomplish and time is not my best friend at this point, so I can’t wait around for him.”
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Neil Magny seems like the fight to make as it can headline a Fight Night card. It would be crucial for the welterweight ranks and the winner would get a big push in their next fight. However, the fight will only happen if the timing works for Magny, if it doesn’t, he likes the Vicente Luque fight.
