Khamzat Chimaev may just have received the short end of the stick with Dana White. But does the fighter take it all personally? Perhaps not. White has been open about not using Chimaev for more fights. The fighter is outstanding, and yet, isn’t seen in the cage enough. Why?

White explained his reasoning in an interview and the accusation could have almost been personal to Chimaev. The UFC CEO claimed ‘Borz’ had made enough money to no longer want it all. Chimaev has now responded to White’s comments.

Why is Khamzat Chimaev not bothered by Dana White’s statements?

The UFC boss makes sure all fighters are kept on their toes and that they perform to their maximum efficiency, which also means maximum profit for the promotion. And yet, Chimaev was missing for a long time.

White elaborated on this in an interview with ESPN. “Who was hungrier than Khamzat Chimaev?'” he questioned. “Like he wanted to fight every weekend, he wanted the 185-pound belt, he wanted the 205-pound belt…And then you start making some money, man, and all that stuff slows down. I don’t know.”

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Chimaev, on the other hand, didn’t seem to be offended by White’s words. He understood it as a way of doing business with the promotion. In fact, he was certain that it was all for the betterment of the UFC.

“I don’t know, probably to make people interested, he does a good job at making people want to watch UFC,” said Chimaev. “He hasn’t said such things to me personally. When he speaks about me or someone else, I don’t pay attention because I know he knows the business better than us.”

While White’s comments might’ve been intriguing, Chimaev’s response is even more so. With that said, what is next for Chimaev?

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Is Sean Strickland Chimaev’s next target?

Perhaps there is a champion within Chimaev awaiting a belt at middleweight. He and Strickland have been feuding with each other and sending shots back and forth. Strickland has made his opinion on Chimaev clear. He doesn’t believe ‘Borz’ deserves a title fight at middleweight as most of his fights have been at welterweight.

Regardless, Chimaev seems to be vying for a title shot against Strickland. But will he get to fight the champ anytime soon? With the current pay-per-view lineup, it looks difficult.

Currently, Sean Strickland is scheduled to fight Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 for the middleweight title. Perhaps the most suited candidate, Du Plessis, has shown his belief in the idea that Chimaev may just not be ready for Strickland. But will Borz be able to prove everyone wrong, eventually? Fans will have to wait and watch if Strickland and Chimaev get an opportunity to clash.

If Du Plessis ends up winning the middleweight championship, Chimaev might not get his bout with Strickland soon enough.

Also Read: Reality Check Handed to Conor McGregor, Colby Covington, and Alex Pereira as Khamzat Chimaev Turns Up His Honest Side