“I don’t care if he’s some president or something!” Khamzat Chimaev SLAMS Dana White for not fulfilling ‘title shot’ promise

The middleweight title changed hands inside Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena for UFC 297. South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis bagged a split decision win over former champion Sean Strickland. Consequently, though, Khamzat Chimaev did not find any of it impressive. At 13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC, the Chechen did not find anything that left an impression. Critiquing the title grudge main event, Chimaev also nudged in his aspirations for a title shot; not the first time around. Recently, Du Plessis brushed off Chimaev’s callouts after UFC 297 as ‘forgettable’.

After the main event, Chimaev also slammed Strickland’s ‘macho man’ gimmick and made a subsequent callout. Speaking to ESPN MMA‘s Brett Okamoto, the fighter had reacted to Du Plessis vs. Strickland, poking holes at their mettle. Speaking at the same segment, here’s what Chimaev prompted about his title aspirations, and on Dana White and Co. fulfilling such promises:

All these guys fought each other. Only me who is undefeated and undisputed, you know? 13-0. … They promised me after Usman fight, ‘You are for sure going to fight for the title.’ I won that fight. I heard Dana White said, ‘I don’t think Khamzat is next for the title.’ That’s bullsh*t...I don’t care if it’s some president or something. If you give your word, you have to answer for that. … I will be surprised if somebody fights for the title next that’s not me...

Khamzat Chimaev to Brett Okamoto

Desperate for a fight, ‘Borz’ has been catching a lot of flack from fans and peers alike. Recently, even Jon Jones snubbed his bold prediction for a hypothetical fight. The 185lber had named the heavyweight a dream fight, speaking to the “Smile 2 Jannah” podcast. A lot within the MMA community had jibed at him as someone who ‘never fights‘ but makes callouts.

But the fighter is nitpicking his chances. He last fought at UFC 294, where he defeated Kamaru Usman. Despite an underwhelming performance and subsequent injury, Chimaev thrusts forward to a better legacy. Which for the fighter means a title contention with the newly minted champion.

Khamzat Chimaev claims ‘domination’ over Sean Strickland in gym

Dricus Du Plessis recently defeated Sean Strickland at UFC 297, to become the new middleweight champion. Now, Chechen fighter Khamzat Chimaev has inserted himself into the situation, hopeful for a title contention shot. Former champion Strickland (28-6 MMA, 15-6 UFC) had labeled the Du Plessis test tougher than Chimaev for middleweight gold. Now, the rival fires back yet again.

Xtreme Couture Coach Erik Nicksick had already dispelled such rumors of gym domination from the middleweight contender, last year. Now, doubling down on his claims, check out what Chimaev had to say on the matter, speaking to ESPN MMA:

Chimaev’s view is that ‘Tarzan’ and his reputation as a tough guy are more of a ruse than a true reflection of himself. This, he mentioned as well during the segment.

Strickland, known for his ripe, brash, and unfiltered demeanor, is yet to comment back at the claims. As fight fans await such a discourse, Du Plessis has already been dismissive of Chimaev as the next prospective challenger.

However, ‘Borz’ has his eye set on the 185lbS title gold, with no intention of backing out.

In case you missed it:

• EXCLUSIVE: After training with both Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev, PFL star Sadibou Sy previews potential UFC title fight
• Sean Strickland’s coach clears air around Khamzat Chimaev’s alleged ‘domination’ against UFC champ in gym session

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