Khamzat Chimaev hasn’t competed on American soil since a submission win over Kevin Holland back in 2022, but now that the undefeated UFC middleweight contender is an official citizen of United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) new opportunities could open up.
While Chimaev has only competed twice over the past two years he remains the favorite to score the next official UFC middleweight title shot. Fight fans were hoping to see Chimaev get his first-ever shot at UFC gold after breaking Robert Whittaker’s face back at UFC 308 in Oct. 2024 (highlights HERE), but UFC officials were already planning on a Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2 title fight, which will go down next weekend at UFC 312 from Sydney, Australia.
Chimaev, who is 8-0 overall under the UFC banner, is expected to face the winner of that rematch later this year. Fight fans aren’t sure where that fight could take place since “Borz” has reportedly struggled to get a U.S. visa in the past, but with his new U.A.E citizenship the surging UFC fighter could be coming back to America very soon.
“It is my honour and privilege to be able to represent this beautiful nation both as an athlete and a citizen. I would like to thank the UAE for its support and I will do my best to make this country proud of me, special thanks to his highness Sheik @mohamedbinzayed and Sheik Hamdan for the trust and opportunity.”
If Chimaev is in fact cleared to compete in the U.S. and given the next crack at the UFC middleweight title there are a few upcoming events that could make sense. First would be UFC 314 in Miami, Florida. That pay-per-view (PPV) card is expected to take place in mid-April so it could be too quick of a turnaround for the winner of DDP vs. Strickland 2. The next likely landing spot for a Chimaev title shot on U.S. soil would be UFC’s International Fight Week in Las Vegas this summer.
What do you think, fight fans? Where will Chimaev fight next and will it be for the undisputed UFC middleweight title?
Let’s hear it!
