Dana White isn’t fond of Khamzat Chimaev‘s push to fight at light heavyweight.
UFC middleweight champion Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) has yet to defend the title he won from Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in August. It seemed like Nassourdine Imavov had a strong case to challenge for gold, however, Chimaev is putting more of his public attention around securing a fight vs. 205-pound titleholder Alex Pereira.
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Chimaev, 31, has repeatedly said he is capable of fighting in the division despite his history as a welterweight. Anything is possible in the future, but for now, UFC CEO White thinks there’s an obligation to the weight class.
“I’d like to see him defend his title at a weight first,” White said at the UFC Fight Night 267 post-fight news conference. “I’d like to see him defend his title before he talks about jumping around. You’re going to keep going up in weight divisions without defending? I’d rather see him defend.”
If Chimaev does commit to a title defense next, there are multiple options in play for “The Wolf.”
In addition to Imavov (17-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC), who is riding a six-fight unbeaten streak, another contender emerged when ex-titleholder Sean Strickland (30-7 MMA, 17-7 UFC) upset Anthony Hernandez on Saturday in Houston.
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Strickland and Chimaev have a history that has turned bitter and into a war of words, laying the foundation for a potential grudge match for the belt.
White, however, did not comment on who will be next for Chimaev.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Dana White urges Khamzat Chimaev to defend UFC title next
