(Video) Dana White breaks silence on Khamzat Chimaev’s title shot at UFC 312 presser
UFC CEO Dana White answered an important question - Is undefeated fighter Khamzat Chimaev next in line for the middleweight title shot?
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Dana White believes Khamzat Chimaev is next in line for the middleweight title shot (via Imago)
The UFC middleweight division is currently one of the most stacked divisions, with fighters waiting for their title opportunity. The champion Dricus Du Plessis will defend the belt this Saturday at UFC 312 against Sean Strickland. Going forward, Dana White stated Khamzat Chimaev is the top candidate for the next title shot.
The hype around UFC 312 is massive due to the rivalry between Strickland and Du Plessis. The trash-talking between both the fighters made the press conference as entertaining as fans might have expected. During the presser, White also replied to a question about Chimaev being at UFC 312 and his next fight.
Yeah, I don’t know anything about him being here (at UFC 312). And as far as I know, he’s not going to be at the event, no. And obviously, he’s in line.
Dana White via UFC 312 pre-fight presser
Since his UFC debut, Chimaev has been one of the most favorite candidates to become the champion. However, with inconsistencies in his health, the fighter had to struggle to get to the top. In his last bout, the Russian dominated former champion Robert Whittaker to finally earn the title shot.
🚨| Dana White confirms Khamzat Chimaev is NEXT for the #UFC312 main event winner. 🏆
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) February 6, 2025
pic.twitter.com/SXCVadd7pt
Dana White is well aware of Chimaev’s fan following that could impact the middleweight division for years. No matter who wins at UFC 312, the ‘Borz’ has a storyline ready with both fighters. While his rivalry with DDP is still fresh, Chimaev’s hate for Strickland is quite palpable and for obvious reasons.
Khamzat Chimaev gets brutally roasted by Sean Strickland
Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev used to train together and had a fairly good relationship. However, over time, it has severed with both fighters eager to get their hands on each other inside the octagon. The trash-talk between the fighters has gone personal, which has been pretty entertaining for the fans.
Chimaev had mentioned that he destroyed the ‘Tarzan’ in sparring and forced him to quit. On the other hand, Strickland has mocked the Chechen fighter for his relationship with warlord Ramzan Kadyrov. Ahead of UFC 312, the American star went all out exposing Chimaev’s history.
You fled a country, you went back and you got buddy-buddy with a dictator, and you fled again. It doesn’t matter how good of a fighter you are. You are and always will be a f***ing wh*re.
Sean Strickland via UFC 312 media day
Sean Strickland just went OFF on Khamzat Chimaev at media day 😬
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 5, 2025
“You fled a country, you went back and you got buddy buddy with a dictator, and you fled again…
You are and always will be a f***ing wh*re.”
🎥 @TheMacLife pic.twitter.com/u9gQhajgz6
The former middleweight champion also mentioned how Chimaev chose to scam his fans with crypto pump and dump. The ‘Borz’ has also responded by making fun of Strickland’s childhood trauma via social media. All this drama surrounding the fighters is a great recipe for a grudge title fight if Strickland wins this weekend.
Related: Sean Strickland Net Worth, Endorsements, UFC contract, Wife and House
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Ameetosh Dash
(970 Articles Published)