Dana White on Khamzat Chimaev's demands for a matchup: "He's always in conversations to fight"

Dana White has just addressed Khamzat Chimaev's demands to fight soon, though seemed unaware that 'Borz' was calling for a middleweight title rematch. While he's eager to see Chimaev return to the cage soon, there was no mention of whether it would be against Sean Strickland.

Dana White talks Khamzat Chimaev's next fight

Khamzat Chimaev is eager to face Sean Strickland in an immediate rematch for the middleweight title, which he lost to 'Tarzan' at UFC 328 via split-decision. It was a relatively poor performance from Chimaev after round one, as he gassed out and was forced to spend the bulk of the bout striking. Despite his relentless calls for a rematch, the UFC has yet to comment on the possibility. So, at the Dana White's Contender Series post-fight press for week two of season 10, Dana White was asked by the media members if he had seen Chimaev's recent tweet demanding a fight:

"Wants to fight me? Oh, he just wants to fight, okay. Okay. I didn't see it, no. Yeah, I mean he's always in conversations to fight. The whole roster is. I mean, everybody... in a perfect world, everybody fights three times a year, so, yes."

Unfortunately, there wasn't any talk of Chimaev facing Strickland for the title next, as White remains unaware of the context behind Chimaev's tweet. Regardless, it's expected that Chimaev is determined to face Strickland in a rematch. There was animosity prior to their bout, with Strickland aiming constant trash talk at Chimaev.

Dana White is asked to REACT to Khamzat Chimaev's message to him earlier today 🤔 👀 pic.twitter.com/3BpR8Lj5M5

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) August 19, 2026

Furthermore, the UFC 328 bout led to Chimaev's first professional loss, shattering his mystique as an undefeated phenom, and ending his middleweight title reign before it truly got going. Strickland himself is open to facing Chimaev again, having responded to his callouts on social media. However, there are other fighters waiting on the wings, both of whom are more deserving of a title fight with Strickland.

Plenty of talk around the championship fight lately. I believe everyone will stand on what they said #hunter @Mickmaynard2 #nohappyending @SStricklandMMA

— Imavov Nassourdine (@imavov1) May 28, 2026

Nassourdine Imavov is ranked #3 on the middleweight rankings and on a five-fight win streak. He was expected to face Chimaev for the belt prior to the UFC's decision to book a Chimaev vs. Strickland bout at UFC 328, and he has been adamant that he will be next in line for the title, but there is also Dricus du Plessis, who is ranked #2, recently dominated Kamaru Usman in a unanimous decision win at UFC Fight Night 281 and has two wins over Strickland. So, while no decision has been made, the UFC isn't lacking in options.