Although many have been quick to label the UFC 279 welterweight headliner between Khamzat Chimaev and Nate Diaz a mismatch, with oddsmakers listing Chimaev as a massive betting favorite, Khamzat is taking his opponent very seriously ahead of the Sept. 10 matchup.
Khamzat recalls being the underdog in one of his earlier pro fights where he was matched up with an undefeated world champion on an eight-fight winning streak. Chimaev went on to win the fight via stoppage despite being told by his fellow countrymen that he would surely lose.
That is why the undefeated Chechnan, who has won all but one of his fights via stoppage, pays no attention to any outside noise ahead of his fights and treats every opponent seriously regardless of the odds.