Ask and you shall receive.
Twice Khamzat Chimaev has requested a quick turnaround from the UFC – and twice he’ll be granted an opportunity, according to UFC president Dana White.
In an interview with ESPN on Monday, White was asked who he was most impressed by during the promotion’s four-event stretch in 15 days on “Fight Island.” Without hesitation, White responded.
“Khamzat,” White said. “I mean, you know? 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. 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.”
Chimaev (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) made his promotional debut Wednesday, July 15 at UFC on ESPN 13, defeating John Phillips in dominant fashion. Saturday, Chimaev picked up his second promotional victory, finishing Rhys McKee in the first round at UFC on ESPN 14. Chimaev became the first fighter in the modern UFC era to win two fights in 11 days.
Now, Chimaev is apparently gunning for his third UFC win in the coming weeks. According to the UFC president, Chimaev has asked him if he can return to the cage in August.
“He 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.”
White said the promotion has not figured out a specific opponent for Chimaev’s third UFC bout. The UFC matchmaking team is currently discussing what level of opponent, they’d like to give him next.
“That’s what we’re trying to figure out,” White said. “We were sitting in here this morning trying to figure out what we think is next. 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.”
Dana White on Khamzat Chimaev's request to fight in August: 'I'm going to get him what he wants'