Dana White hopes Khamzat Chimaev can make his U.S. return in 2025.
Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) positioned himself in title contention when he ran through former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker for a first-round submission at UFC 308 in October.
The UFC CEO was very impressed with Chimaev’s return, and anticipates him fighting for the middleweight title next year – preferably in the U.S.
“He looked incredible,” White said of Chimaev on “The Jim Rome Show.” “His manager was telling me before the fight that mentally, physically and emotionally he’s the best he’s ever been. He said, ‘I’m telling you, wait until you see him on Saturday,’ and he was right. He was dead on.
“This guy’s never looked better, especially against the competition that he had. I’m looking forward to him getting a title fight in ’25. We’ll see how this plays out here, but I want him to fight in the United States. I want him to fight for a title here in the U.S.”
Chimaev hasn’t competed in the U.S. since submitting Kevin Holland at UFC 279 in Las Vegas. Chimaev’s quick finish of Whittaker got the attention of UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC), who said he’d rather defend his title against the unbeaten sensation over a rematch with Sean Strickland.
The promotion is yet to announce Du Plessis’ next title fight, but his head coach Morne Visser said the plan is to compete at UFC 312 Feb. 8 in Sydney.
