Dana White Says Khamzat Chimaev Is Maybe Ready For Kamaru Usman
Khamzat Chimaev has competed twice thus far under the UFC banner, defeating the duo of Rhys McKee and John Phillips.
That wins, partnered with his ready to fan attitude, has gotten Chimaev a major fan in UFC President Dana White.
“Khamzat. I mean, you know? The guy is so dominant, so confident, wants to continue to fight every weekend,” White told Brett Okamoto of ESPN (via Nolan King Of MMA Junkie). “I love it. I love guys with that mentality. I love how talented this guy is. We threw the hottest prospect out of the U.K. at him and that kid is a badass. That kid is a legit great fighter. (Chimaev) made it look like he didn’t belong there. The kid is legit. He’s real and he knows it and I love it.”
There is talk that Chimaev may compete next month at UFC 252, but nothing has been made official at this time.
White is so impressed with Chimaev that he thinks that Chimaev is maybe ready to fight UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman.
“We were sitting in here this morning trying to figure out what we think is next,” White said. “If you ask this kid, he’s ready to fight Usman. You know what I mean? Is he ready for Usman? The way he looks, who knows? Maybe.”
Usman last defended the title in the main event of UFC 251 and doesn’t have another championship defense lined up at the moment.