Will Khamzat Chimaev return to Welterweight?

At UFC 286 this weekend, Edwards and Usman will wrap up their trilogy. Edwards, who defeated Usman by knockout at UFC 278 in a rematch, will defend his title against the opponent he dethroned

The winner will establish themselves as the undisputed welterweight champion and one of the best fighters in the world on a per-pound scale.

Who will contend for the welterweight belt next is as unpredictable as the match this weekend. After a disastrous weight cut before his most recent bout, Chimaev, who hasn't competed since defeating Kevin Holland at UFC 279., appeared to be going up to middleweight.

Chimaev appeared to retract his speculated switch to middleweight in a recent Instagram comment on one of the UFC's latest posts.

"Soon I'll take my belt from [these] two clowns," Chimaev commented.

Chimaev has hinted at middleweight fights with Robert Whittaker, Bo Nickal, and other fighters. In September 2020, he fought at middleweight and knocked out Gerald Meerschaert in the first round.

If the UFC decides to give Chimaev another shot, he might be the next welterweight championship contender, and Edwards or Usman will be waiting for him with the title.