Dana White Hopes to End Khamzat Chimaev’s Dream of Becoming Double Champion

Khamzat Chimaev hasn’t fought in the UFC for a while now. He is working to move up a weight class and fight in the middleweight division. Moreover, his coach, Andreas Michael, also confirmed his decision to fight in the 185-pound category. UFC president Dana White wishes that Chimaev permanently moves to the middleweight division.

Khamzat Chimaev holds an MMA record of 12 wins without any losses. He is one of the most dominant fighters in the current UFC roster as he remains undefeated with a 6-fight winning streak in the promotion. However, Chimaev believes that he deserves bigger fights with big paydays. Hence, he has decided to move up in the weight class.

Khamzat Chimaev’s coach appeared in an interview a few days ago where he declared ‘Borz’s decision to fight as a 185-pounder as they are moving ahead in his UFC career. This decision got a positive response from the UFC president after he expressed his thoughts on Chimaev’s middleweight move in the post-fight press conference at UFC 285.

Dana White wants Khamzat Chimaev to fight permanently as a middleweight

The UFC president addressed the Swedish fighter’s decision to move up in the weight class. White said, “I hope so. I think that’s [Khamzat’s middleweight move] a good idea.” Dana White seems to be in favor of Chimaev’s decision as it opens up the possibility of some great middleweight fights in the future. The UFC’s middleweight division is stacked with world-class fighters like Israel Adesanya, Alex Pereira, Robert Whittaker, and Jared Cannonier, just to name a few.

Khamzat Chimaev had fought in the welterweight and middleweight weight classes since arriving in UFC. However, Khamzat Chimaev mentioned earlier that he wants to become a double champion by 2024. He told Brett Okamoto of ESPN that he was ready to win some belts. Chimaev said, “Next year, it’s my year. Colby, I beat him. Then they have to give me a fight for a belt. Whichever weight class, it doesn’t matter. I’m ready for some belts. I don’t think he will [Covington fighting against him]. Sometimes people say something and do different things.” 

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However, Dana White’s insistence that he fight in just one division may put a hold on Chimaev’s dream to become a double champion. However, things and situations change pretty quickly and as such, we never know what might happen with Khamzat Chimaev in the future.

What are your thoughts on Chimaev’s middleweight move? Let us know in the comments below.

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