After Calling Out Dana White’s Bluff, Khamzat Chimaev vs. Israel Adesanya Fight at Work for UFC Abu Dhabi, Claims Chael Sonnen

Dana White has said it! Dismissing all rumors of a Khamzat Chimaev vs Kamaru Usman ‘super fight’, the UFC President has made his stance clear. In a recent interview with MMA journalist Aaron Bronsteter, White was quick to clear out the mystery around the rumored fight. But, he did admit that Usman had voiced his interest in the bout. Suggesting that the promotion has other plans for ‘Borz’, White blatantly retorted, “I’m not doing a catchweight [fight].”

With the sudden revelation, new debates and speculations were bound to flood in. Even “Triple C” had advised Usman to stay away from the fight – if it’s at 185 pounds. One such suggestion has been hinted at by MMA veteran Chael Sonnen. Speaking to his fans, Sonnen gave his two cents on the situation – and what it may lead to in the future. He further suggested that a fight between Chimaev and Middleweight champ Israel Adesanya may be in the making.

In a recent episode of Beyond the Fight, Chael Sonnen gave his take on Dana White’s announcement. While expressing his doubts, Sonnen pondered on the true motives behind the hype that the ‘super fight’ generated.

“Everything is on the table”: Who will Khamzat Chimaev be matched up against?

Seemingly calling out White’s bluff, the veteran claimed that he had heard of the rumors about this fight straight from White himself. Now that White had “moved on”, Sonnen was taken aback, wondering if the fight was even supposed to culminate in the first place.

Laying emphasis on how he thinks Dana White dismisses fights, Sonnen went on to talk about White’s evident frustration while discussing the topic with Aaron. The retired MMA artist also recounted the ironic spectacle as Khamzat allegedly assured fans that he was going to be fighting in the same October card. But wait – that’s not all!

Adding a twist to the story – Sonnen named another UFC fighter struggling to find an opponent – Israel Adesanya. Drawing parallels between the fighters, Sonnen suggested that a fight between the duo may be plausible – especially due to the lack of a suitable rival.

Taking his argument further, Sonnen raised a big question: “…with who – with who is he[Chimaev] going to be matched up?”

READ MORE: “He Just Has This Spirit…”–Despite Being Known as His Arch Nemesis, Israel Adesanya Makes a Stunning Disclosure on Alex Pereira

Almost immediately, he sparked a new debate with his words, saying, “I don’t have the answer to that question… I am very light on the idea that it will be against Adesanya…”

Rephrasing his response, he remarked, “…it will not be against Adesanya. But there are things – such as a lack of an opponent for both of them and the clock ticking – there are things that make it possible…”

As fans eagerly await the official announcement, the mystery surrounding Chimaev’s opponent in Abu Dhabi remains. One thing is certain, though – the chances of a Chimaev vs Adesanya fight seem slim.

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