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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: UFC President Dana White reacts during the UFC 309 press ...
[+] conference at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on November 14, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) UFC President Dana White has big plans for top middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev, and they could fly in the face of No. 1 contender Sean Strickland.
White appeared on the Jim Rome Show on Thursday and said he wants Chimaev to fight early in 2025 for a title. Chimaev is currently ranked No. 3 in the UFC’s middleweight division.
If Chimaev gets what White is suggesting, it sounds like he could be leapfrogging Strickland, the division’s No. 1 contender for a shot at champion Dricus Du Plessis. Strickland lost his UFC middleweight title in his first defense against Du Plessis in January.
Since then, Strickland defeated Paulo Costa via split decision in June, and the former has come under scrutiny for having what some would describe as dull fights. Back in August, White said Strickland would be next up for a title shot. However, Chimaev’s dominating win over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 seems to have shifted things slightly.
There’s also a potential issue with Strickland being welcomed to fight in certain countries. UFC 312 is set to happen in Sydney, Australia, but Strickland doesn’t believe he’ll be able to fight there. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 01: Sean Strickland reacts after his victory against Paulo Costa of Brazil .
.. [+] in a middleweight fight during the UFC 302 event at Prudential Center on June 01, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey.
(Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) What Time Is Netflix’s Live Jake Paul Vs. Mike Tyson Fight On Friday? Trump’s Cabinet And Key Roles: Steven Cheung, RFK Jr. And More Picked By President-Elect How To Watch The Jake Paul Vs.
Mike Tyson Fight On Netflix The outspoken UFC veteran posted this on his social media : “I’m not fighting in Australia. Were thinking of Vegas in March. I have a love for the Aussies BUT I don’t think you’re government likes me.
.. Which I take as a compliment!! Hate speech isn’t real and I’ll always speak up for my kangaroo homies!!!!!! FRRRRREEEEEDDDOOOOOMM!” Du Plessis has stated he would prefer to fight Chimaev as that fight excites him more than a rematch with Strickland.
Most fans would probably agree with DDP, and it sounds like White feels the same way. It’ll be interesting to see how this pans out and how Strickland reacts if he’s passed over. More About Khamzat Chimaev ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 26: Khamzat Chimaev of Russia reacts after a submission .
.. [+] victory against Robert Whittaker of New Zealand in a middleweight fight during the UFC 308 event at Etihad Arena on October 26, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
(Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Chimaev was born in Chechnya, Russia, but he represents Sweden in his MMA career, having moved there in 2013. He is undefeated in his MMA career with a 14-0 record. Chimaev’s well-rounded fighting style is anchored by arguably the best wrestling gifts in MMA.
He has finished ten of the 14 opponents he’s faced. From the outset of Chimaev’s UFC career, he positioned himself for greatness. His first two fights with the promotion happened over ten days.
Chimaev scored a second-round submission win over John Phillips on July 15, 2020. He came back on July 25 and stopped Rhys McKee via TKO. Chimaev’s nickname is Borz, which means wolf.
The moniker was given to him because it reflects his relentless hunting and fighting style in the Octagon. Injuries and illness have slowed Chimaev’s rise to a title shot, but it appears he’s healthy and ready for his opportunity. UFC’s Upcoming Schedule On Saturday, November 16, UFC 309 will happen in New York at Madison Square Garden.
Here is a look at the full card. Full UFC 309 Card NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Jon Jones looks on during the UFC 309 press conference at The ..
. [+] Theater at Madison Square Garden on November 14, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) The following week, on November 23, the UFC heads to Macau, China, for a slept-on but awesome Fight Night card.
Here is the scheduled lineup of fights for that event. MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 09: Petr Yan of Russia reacts after his victory against Song Yadong of China ..
. [+] in a bantamweight fight during the UFC 299 event at Kaseya Center on March 09, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images).
