The UFC is working on Khamzat Chimaev‘s highly anticipated return to the Octagon — a welterweight matchup against Li Jingliang in October.
Contracts have not been signed, but both sides are agreeable to the matchup, multiple sources told ESPN. The 170-pound bout is expected to take place at UFC 267 in October. The UFC has not announced an official date or venue for the event. Brazilian news outlet Combate first reported the pairing.
Chimaev (9-0) was arguably the UFC’s biggest breakout performer of 2020. Originally from Chechnya, now fighting out of Sweden, Chimaev debuted with the UFC in July and quickly rattled off three wins in two months, across two weight categories.
The UFC was so high on Chimaev, it tried to book him against UFC welterweight title contender Leon Edwards in December. That bout fell through multiple times, however, due to Edwards and Chimaev contracting COVID-19. Chimaev even hinted at retirement earlier this year due to the severity of his COVID-19, but he has since recovered.
Li (18-6), of China, has won four of his last five contests at welterweight. He’s been a staple of the division since signing with the UFC in 2014, compiling a record of 10-4.