It took Khamzat Chimaev 11 days to make UFC history in July. On Saturday night, it took him just 17 seconds to remind fight fans why he is the hottest prospect in MMA.
Chimaev knocked out Gerald Meerschaert, landing a straight right hand to the chin that forced referee Marc Smith to stop the fight 17 seconds into the first round.
Chimaev, who improved to 9-0, set a record by winning his first two UFC fights in an 11-day span in July, both in dominating fashion. So impressive was Chimaev that UFC president Dana White double-booked Chimaev, with Saturday's fight against Meerschaert followed by a meeting against Demian Maia scheduled for later in the year.
After Chimaev's win on Saturday, numerous UFC fighters, including Jon Jones, and longtime color analyst Joe Rogan took to Twitter, raving about the 26-year-old's KO.
The GOAT endorses The Wolf 🐐🐺
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 20, 2020
(via @JonnyBones) pic.twitter.com/j6mq00DP5C
@khamsat_chimaew just went right through this dude. @arielhelwani I can't wait until Monday to discuss this dude. I'm driving The hype train now AH!! :17 seconds. How could this be happening? pic.twitter.com/rx1dc7IF8U
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 20, 2020
There is no doubt now. @KChimaev is THE TRUTH.
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) September 20, 2020
When "The Wolf" steps in the Octagon, it's feeding time 🐺 #UFCVegas11 pic.twitter.com/Q8NQaI31A4
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 20, 2020
Oh my God 😳
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) September 20, 2020
I never seen anyone go back and forth between weight classes before. Khamzat will be THAT GUY! Mans is straight savage! #UFCVegas11
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) September 20, 2020
CHIMAEV is seriously a different beast!!! 😱😱 #UFCVegas11
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) September 20, 2020
Gerald should not have circled to that power. 😳 #UFCVegas11
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) September 20, 2020
CHIMAEV WOW 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 @ufc #ufc
— Marlon Moraes (@MMARLONMORAES) September 20, 2020
Chimaev ladies and gentleman's
— Chito Vera (@chitoveraUFC) September 20, 2020
