Dana White was already considering a new fight date for Khamzat Chimaev, just moments after he won middleweight gold on Saturday night.
The UFC president is infamous for never making fights in the immediate aftermath of fights, often telling media that he will look at the future during Tuesday matchmaking meetings. But his answer was different when asked about Chimaev after UFC 319 when he dominated Dricus Du Plessis to win the title.
Undefeated Russian Chimaev claimed before Saturday’s show that he was keen to fight again on October 26 in Abu Dhabi at UFC 321. He is an adopted Emirati who represents the colors of the UAE for his fights.
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Dana White open to Khamzat Chimaev return at UFC 321
Even though he has only really fought once annually for the past few years, Khamzat Chimaev maintains a reputation for activity based on his early days in the UFC. And it appears that Dana White would be interested in testing that by having him fight within the next two months by competing in Abu Dhabi.
Asked at the post-fight press conference last night about the idea of a quick turnaround, White replied: “I just had a kid fight Tuesday and wanted to turn around and fight here. Abu Dhabi? I would definitely consider.”
As for Chimaev’s feelings on the idea, he seemed keen if not quite as much as he was heading into what ended up being a gruelling five rounds. Asked by media, he replied: “We will see what they say, I am ready always, no injuries thanks God.”
Khamzat Chimaev wanted to make quick turnaround prior to UFC 319
Heading into the fight, Khamzat Chimaev made it clear that he wanted to return to Abu Dhabi to fight. He has adopted it as his home and proudly represents the UAE with their flag when he competes in the octagon.
“I hope there is no injury and nothing happens in the fight, so I can fight in Abu Dhabi,” Chimaev told the media during an open workout in the lead-up to UFC 319. “Maybe defend the belt, maybe fight someone else….
“[My inactivity] wasn’t my bad or my fault. Everyone knows I didn’t have a visa to the United States, that’s why I didn’t fight. That’s why I only fought one in Abu Dhabi. Now, Donald Trump here, so we go for fights.”
The event is already headlined by newly-crowned heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall’s first title defence against Ciryl Gane. But it could use a co-headliner with a fan favorite from the region to add to its appeal.