It’s been a while since we’ve seen Khamzat Chimaev in the Octagon but ahead his presumed return in Abu Dhabi in a few months’ time, the unbeaten ‘Borz’ has laid down a challenge to former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.

Chimaev was last seen scoring a quick d’arce choke win against late replacement Kevin Holland in September of last year after he rather spectacularly missed weight ahead of a proposed main event fight with Nate Diaz. But with his status among the top contenders at 170-pound having stagnated somewhat owing to his relative inactivity, the Chechen-born Swede is targeting a fight with former champion Usman to get his title bid back on track.

“UFC told us we have a fight in Abu Dhabi, so that’s what I’m waiting for,” said Chimaev on his YouTube channel, as noted by LowKick MMA. “I’m already here in Dubai, living here, training camp, everything is good, so I’ve been in shape a long time ago. I’ve been in Thailand training camp, I’ve been here training camp, I’ve been in Sweden training, so just waiting for the opponent and the contract, so we’ll see what’s going to happen.”

And as for Usman, Chimaev said that the former number one pound-for-pound fighter in the sport will represent little more than a road block on his path to greatness.

“I want to say to Usman, I am ready, just sign the contract,” he said. “Let’s fight. Let’s make money. You want the money, you want the money, let’s go. I’m going to squeeze your head off. …Let’s go, let’s fight. The weight classes, if you feel the best, you don’t need to speak about weight class. I feel the best, for me it doesn’t matter, I cut on fight night to [170-pounds] or [185-pounds], all weight classes. I’m the king.”

UFC 294 takes place in Abu Dhabi on October 21.