Dana White reveals when Khamzat Chimaev could receive a welterweight title shot
According to Dana White, Khamzat Chimaev is "one or two fights away from a possible championship" fight.
The UFC president, however, admitted that Chimaev hasn't yet experienced what it takes to challenge some of the best fighters in the world.
Chimaev recently fought Li Jingliang at UFC 267. The Chechen-born Swede dominated the No.11 ranked welterweight and choked him out in the first round.
THE HYPE IS REAL!!!!!!!!
@KChimaev is a baaaaaaad man 😤
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During an interview with TSN, White suggested Chimaev will have to register one or two more victories against high-profile opponents in order to secure a welterweight title shot.
"I don't know if Chimaev is ready for [a title shot] yet. Chimaev just broke into the top 10 by fighting a number 11. It's a whole another ball game when you get into the top 10 and you starting top five and up opponents. He's one or two fights away from a possible championship."
Catch White's comments in the video below (1:50):
White also confirmed that the UFC is looking to book another opponent for Chimaev before the end of the year. While it's not yet clear who that might be, 'Borz' has expressed interest in fighting Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz.
Dana White is keen on making Nate Diaz vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Nate Diaz reportedly has one fight left on his UFC contract. The Stockton native has clarified he wants to challenge someone who's ranked in the division's top four. However, it doesn't seem like Dana White wants to entertain that idea.
During his interview with BT Sport on Thursday, White made it clear that if Diaz was willing to fight Kamaru Usman, then he shouldn't have any problem fighting Khamzat Chimaev.
"I just did an interview with Robbie Fox yesterday. He's like, 'Well, everybody feels like you're throwing Nate Diaz to the wolves.' This guy [Khamzat Chimaev] has got four fights. Nate Diaz has been here for years. Nate Diaz was just asking for a [Kamaru] Usman fight. That would be feeding Nate Diaz to the wolves."
Catch Dana White's comments during an interview with BT Sport below:
"That would be feeding Diaz to the wolves!" 🐺
Dana White discusses the rise of @KChimaev and what may be coming next for him.
Watch the interview on YouTube 👉 youtu.be/ocJWHIn12lw https://t.co/hIw3LbIPLF