Dana White thwarts Khamzat Chimaev's UFC plans: 'That's what he wants'

Khamzat Shimaev Focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Dana White, it seems, has different plans than... Khamzat Shimaev for the future of the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). After lose the category title all with Sean Strickland in the main fight of UFC 328The Chechen fighter's team indicated that he would only return to competition if he received an immediate rematch, something the Ultimate president may not be willing to grant.

In an interview with Bret Boone, Dana White was asked about the topic and made it clear that the rematch against Sean Strickland This merely reflects Chimaev's wishes. The leader, however, stressed that there is still no concrete decision regarding the category's next steps.

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"That's what he wants. We still don't know what we're going to do," said Dana White.

Sean Strickland may face Nassourdine Imavov in the UFC.

Sean Strickland x Nassourdine Imavov. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

PUBLICITY:

Although a duel against Khamzat Shimaev to make it more appealing to the public, Nassourdine Imavov emerges as a possible next opponent of Sean StricklandThat's because the Frenchman currently holds the number one contender position in the rankings and is riding a long winning streak.

The most recent result was the triumph over Caio Borralho in the main fight of UFC Paris, held in September 2025.