UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev is feeling upset after UFC President Dana White changed his stance on a title shot promise. Chimaev, who hasn"t fought since UFC 294 last year, was initially told by White that the winner of his fight with Kamaru Usman would get a middleweight title shot. However, White recently backtracked on that promise, stating that the next title challenger hasn"t been decided.
Chimaev, who has been dealing with health issues, is now frustrated and wants White to stick to his word. In an interview with ESPN"s Brett Okamoto, Chimaev expressed his disappointment, saying, “They promised me after the [Kamaru Usman] fight that I would fight next for the title. Now, I heard Dana White say ‘I don"t think Khamzat is next for the title". That"s not fair."
Khamzat Chimaev calls out Dana White for not keeping his word after promising him a title shot.
"They promised me, after the Usman fight you will for sure fight for the title, and I won that fight.
I heard Dana White say ‘I don’t think Khamzat next for the title’. That’s… pic.twitter.com/F2LW5IovqG
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 22, 2024
After defeating Sean Strickland, the new UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis called out Israel Adesanya for his next fight. Adesanya had hinted at taking a break but is now considering a comeback. This potential matchup could further delay Chimaev"s title shot hopes.
Chimaev, who had a setback with a weight miss before a previous fight, is frustrated with the prolonged absence from the Octagon. He wants White to honor the earlier promise and give him a chance at the middleweight title.
