KHAMZAT CHIMAEV has declared that he is the 'Mike Tyson,Muhammad Ali' of mixed martial arts.
And the Swede added that he is ready to 'smash everybody' upon his return to the octagon later this year.
Khamzat, 26, was the UFC's most exciting rising star last year, elevating to fame with two wins in ten days on Fight Island last July, before knocking Gerald Meerschaert out in just 17 seconds in Las Vegas in September.
UFC president Dana White couldn't hide his excitement, declaring: "This guy is one of the most special fighters I’ve ever seen."
He was subsequently awarded a huge fight with British No3 ranked welterweight contender Leon Edwards.
But dates in December, January and March all fell through, after both men tested positive for Covid-19.
After months of health issues, Khamzat put the MMA world on red alert when he announced his shock retirement from the sport earlier this year.
But now, healthy again, Khamzat is ready to get back to work.
He told ESPN: "I only did [three fights in the UFC].
"I didn't show who I am. People still talk, 'Ah, he beat bulls*** guys.' That makes me [feel] inside somewhere — now I have to show these people who I am and smash everybody, take my belt.
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"I am MMA Mike Tyson. MMA Muhammad Ali. I'm going to show everybody."
He added: "If you are sick, you cannot think about [a] fight.
"I was thinking, 'One month, sick. Then still, two months. When am I going to be finished with this s—?' I'm healthy now, hungry again. I want to get back and smash somebody and make money.
"When I come back to my country, they helped me and did an operation that took some stuff, I don’t know how to explain in English.
"Now, I feel much better. I can’t wait. I am more than 93 kilos [205 lbs], feeling stronger. I just started to train with my team, and I will find [an opponent] to kill.
"I’m healthy now, hungry again. I want to get back and smash somebody and make money."
While White, 51, was trying to find a big fight for Khamzat toward the back end of last year, Neil Magny was vocal in his desire to face the Chechen-born up and comer.
Neil Magny is the guy we have in mind as an opponent, but let's see what happens
And now that Edwards has moved on to a May bout with Nate Diaz, Magny could finally get his wish.
Khamzat's manager Ali Abdelaziz said earlier this month: "He's probably going to start training in the middle of April, and is looking to fight in the beginning of July.
"He's still getting medical treatment on a daily basis, but he is doing much better. Neil Magny is the guy we have in mind as an opponent, but let's see what happens."
Magny, 33, had been on a three-fight win streak when he initially called out Khamzat – but is now coming off a loss to Michael Chiesa back in January.
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