Dana White said he was going to make Khamzat Chimaev’s wish of fighting in August happen. However, unforeseen issues are making a matchup difficult to arrange.
After Chimaev’s back-to-back wins on “Fight Island” in July, White mentioned Aug. 15 at UFC 252 as a potential date and event for popular newcomer’s return. With the card three days away, it’s become apparent that’s not happening.
In an Instagram live session with Yahoo Sports on Wednesday, White was asked about Chimaev’s return. White said the promotion has been unable to get Chimaev (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) into the United States, thus he has not been booked.
“We’re working on it,” White said. “You know I want (him to fight). I want him here. I want him to come to America and fight. We’ll see what happens. … He wants to fight and people will fight him, but we’ve got to work on getting him in the (country). It ain’t easy getting people into the country right now.”
Chimaev, 26, made his promotional debut Wednesday, July 15 at UFC on ESPN 13, defeating John Phillips in dominant fashion. Saturday, Chimaev then 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 10 days.
https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/08/dana-white-khamzat-chimaev-ufc-next-fight-schedule-travel-issues
