It took a few extra weeks, but Khamzat Chimaev has acquired his U.S. working visa.
At a short news conference following the UFC on ESPN+ 34 weigh-ins, UFC president Dana White said Chimaev (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) will be arriving on American soil in the next few days. The UFC had planned on turning Chimaev around for an August fight, but his visa issues interfered.
White also said the promotion plans on having Chimaev fight in Las Vegas before a second fight during its upcoming return to “Fight Island” at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
“I think he gets here this weekend,” White said. “… He’ll fight here and he’ll fight on ‘Fight Island.’ This guy wants to (fight). I love that mentality.”
As for possible opponents for the two fights, White didn’t reveal who the promotion is planning on Chimaev fighting in Las Vegas. But a former UFC welterweight title challenger might be Chimaev’s opponent on “Fight Island.”
“We’re working on a fight for him here that’s still being worked,” White said. “We’re talking about him and Demian Maia on ‘Fight Island.’”
Chimaev, 26, made his promotional debut July 15 at UFC on ESPN 13, defeating John Phillips in dominant fashion. Ten days later, 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 10 days.
Maia (28-10 MMA, 22-10 UFC) most recently competed at UFC on ESPN+ 28 in March, when he was knocked out by Gilbert Burns. Prior to that fight, Maia had won three straight over Ben Askren, Anthony Rocco Martin and Lyman Good.
Dana White: UFC discussing Khamzat Chimaev vs. Demian Maia for ‘Fight Island’
