Khamzat Chimaev leaves UFC legend stunned after showing off insane strength

Khamzat Chimaev has wowed fans after he was filmed completely manhandling former heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier.

'Borz' is set to compete for his first crack at a UFC title this weekend against reigning middleweight king Dricus Du Plessis. Chimaev comes into the showdown off the back of a stunning first round submission win over former champion Robert Whittaker last October.

The undefeated sensation has been untouchable since making his professional debut back in 2018. The 31-year-old is known for his ruthless and relentless wrestling, capable of taking anyone down on his day. After moving up from welterweight, many fans have wondered just how powerful Chimaev is.

Ahead of his clash with Du Plessis, 'Borz' left fans shocked after he was filmed picking up and manhandling Cormier - a former heavyweight champion - with ease. 'DC' retired back in 2020 following back-to-back defeats to Stipe Miocic. Despite switching the gloves for the microphone, the ex-fighter-turned-pundit is still a force to be reckoned with, and it takes some doing to easily drag the 46-year-old around freely.

WARNING - CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE

In a video uploaded to social media, Chimaev and Cormier shared a brief interaction outside the fighter hotel before engaging in a bit of playful wrestling. "You a big guy now, huh?" Joked Cormier. The American seemed to regret his choice of words after Chimaev quickly rushed towards the UFC legend and started to rag-doll 'DC' and swing him around up in the air as if he was a lightweight.

Thankfully, the pair were all smiles at the end and shared a warm embrace. "Holy s***. Holy s***. This f****** guy, man. Holy s***. What the f*** was that?" Said Cormier. The 46-year-old has fought many iconic names during the peak of his powers, including Miocic, Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Alexander Gustafsson, Anthony Johnson and Dan Henderson, but he insists no one has ever manhandled him like that. "First time in my life somebody has picked me up like that! What was that?" Cormier said before re-entering the hotel.

READ MORE: Conor McGregor learns exact date for potential UFC comeback fight

READ MORE: Jake Paul can't resist taking instant dig at UFC's new $8billion TV deal

Fans were quick to rush to the comments section and offer their verdict on the footage. "Khamzat is going to ragdoll DDP," wrote one user. "Had his legs doing the little kid kicks," replied another. "This broo picked up DC like nothing. CRAZY!" Another fans commented, while another replied: "Dude might ragdoll DDP like he did (Kevin) Holland."

Another fan replied: "Damn, DDP is screwed, lol." Another user gave a confident prediction, stating: "Khamzat will destroy ddp." Another joked: "Bro is tossing him around like a teddy bear," while a separate comment reads: "I wouldn’t be surprised if Khamzat dismantles DDP with one takedown after another. He’s a complete package power, technique, and fight IQ all rolled into one. Once he gets his grip, it’s like being trapped in quicksand. every move you make just drags you closer to the end."

Ahead of this weekend's showdown, there were rumours that Chimaev might hang up the gloves for good should he emerge victorious, but it appears he has shut down retirement rumours. In an interview with ESPN, he said: “Yeah, I’ve seen Caio said... I don’t know where he hears those things.

“I need money bro. This is not enough, just to go for the one title. Hopefully if I don’t get injured or some stuff, gonna defend the belt or fight for other belt in Abu Dhabi, as well." The 31-year-old has vowed to compete beyond UFC 319 as he targets success in multiple weight classes.

“I work with a new coach and talk to him about going down again to 170lb. He said gimme a couple months and I’m gonna make it. I don’t know who is the champ there, this Australian guy would be a good fight for me," he continued. “Go down, fight with him as well, take the belt there. If I go up, there is Ankalaev and Alex Pereira, they’re fighting now. Whoever’s winning, I can fight for that belt, as well.”

When is Khamzat Chimaev vs Dricus Du Plessis?

UFC 319 - headlined by a middleweight title fight between Chimaev and Du Plessis - will take place on Saturday, August 16 and is being held at the United Center in Chicago. The early prelims are scheduled to get underway at around 11pm Saturday night UK time, while the prelims will start at around 1am Sunday morning UK time.

The main card is due to get underway at 3am Sunday morning UK time. In the main event, Chimaev will make the walk to the cage first at around 5:30am Sunday morning UK time, with Du Plessis set to follow immediately after. The action will be shown on TNT Sports and discovery+ in the UK, with the early preliminary rounds available on the UFC Fight Pass.