Dana White on Khamzat Chimaev’s request for August return, ‘I’ll make it happen’
Khamzat Chimaev has made quite the impression on UFC President Dana White.
After earning a second-round submission win against John Phillips in his promotional debut at UFC on ESPN 13 on July 15, Chimaev beat Rhys McKee via first-round TKO at UFC on ESPN 14 on July 25.
The UFC welterweight became the first fighter in the modern UFC era to win two fights in 11 days. Chimaev is already asking to make a quick turnaround in August.
In an interview with ESPN on Monday, July 28, White said Chimaev’s second request to fight will be granted.
“He [Chimaev] said he wanted to fight and I said, ‘Done. I’ll make it happen,’” White said. “He wants to fight now again in August. I’m going to get him what he wants.”
“I’m going to get him what he wants”
No task seems too large for Chimaev according to White. White and the UFC matchmakers are already searching for what type of opponent Chimaev should face next.
Dana White even tossed out the name of current champion Kamaru Usman. Chimaev is only two fights into his UFC career and a fight against the champion is far from likely, but Chimaev’s past performances are already making a case for a future matchup.
“We were sitting in here this morning trying to figure out what we think is next,” White said. “If you ask this kid, he’s ready to fight Usman. You know what I mean? Is he ready for Usman? The way he looks, who knows? Maybe.”
Unbeaten at 8-0, Chimaev already disposed of Phillips and McKee, who hold a combined record of 32-13-1. No one had seen Chimaev compete inside the octagon two weeks ago.
Now, he has a lot of people’s attention, including White’s.
“The guy is so dominant, so confident, wants to continue to fight every weekend. I love it. I love guys with that mentality. I love how talented this guy is. We threw the hottest prospect out of the U.K. at him and that kid is a badass,” White said. “That kid is a legit great fighter. [Chimaev] made it look like he didn’t belong there. … The kid is legit. He’s real and he knows it and I love it.”
