Daniel Cormier: Khamzat Chimaev's Potential UFC 294 Replacement Opponent Will Blow Minds

Daniel Cormier assures fans all is not lost for the UFC 294 co-main event.

Mathew Riddle | Oct 11, 2023

Daniel Cormier: Khamzat Chimaev's Potential UFC 294 Replacement Opponent Will Blow Minds /

UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier claims that the potential replacement fighter for Paulo Costa against Khamzat Chimaev is poised to blow the minds of UFC fans.

"DC" took to social media amidst the Costa pullout rumors, and made a bold statement about a potential replacement opponent for UFC 294's co-main event:

"If this co-main event comes together --- as Dana [White] said last night he doesn't know if Paulo [Costa ] fights --- if they can put together the co-main event that I'm hearing that is in the works... you guys will actually lose your minds."

A name hasn't been revealed as-of-yet, but two fighters in particular have been on the tongues of pundits everywhere: Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman. Du Plessis makes logical sense since he is a fellow middleweight without any bookings. Usman on the other hand would be moving up a weight class.

Gilbert Burns Teases Kamaru Usman as a Replacement Opponent for Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294

Gilbert "Durinho" Burns, who trains alongside Usman and previously faced off against Chimaev, has hinted that "The Nigerian Nightmare" might step in as a replacement against Chimaev at UFC 294.

Burns posted a video to X, where Usman can be seen training in the background:

👀👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/65JaDV9u5d
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) October 11, 2023

"A lot of crazy news," Burns remarked. "...But you know what? Someone's getting ready [Burns zooms in on Usman on the pads], someone is getting ready - look at this guy. "

UFC 294 still looks redeemable after Alexander Volkanovski replaced Charles Oliveira, and now Chimaev's potential replacement will allegedly "blow minds". Let's hope this isn't hyperbole and UFC matchmaking can put on some blockbuster matchups in Dubai.

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Published Oct 11, 2023

MATHEW RIDDLE

Mathew is a UK-based combat sports journalist, graphic designer, and SEO expert with over five years of experience in digital marketing and a dedicated four-year track record in MMA journalism. He joined MMAKO in 2023. Mathew's insights have been featured on The Fight Fanatic, Heavy on UFC, Fansided, and Sportskeeda. Reach him at mr@thefightfanatic.com.