Khamzat Chimaev put on a clinic at UFC 319, dominating Dricus du Plessis to claim the middleweight title while setting a control-time record of 21 minutes and 40 seconds. The lopsided performance left no room for talk of a rematch, as Chimaev’s superiority was never in doubt. With his sights now set on 2026, the question looming over the MMA world is simple: who should the Chechen-born star face next?

Interestingly, Khamzat Chimaev has downplayed rumors of fighting at a potential UFC event at the White House, even joking about his chances. Yet, it’s clear he has his eyes on that historic stage. The buzz started after President Donald Trump floated the idea of hosting a UFC card at the White House in 2026 to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Since then, names like Conor McGregor, still out since 2021, and Jon Jones, teasing a comeback from retirement, have thrown their hats in the ring.

Yet the Chechnya star didn’t exactly put his name forward when first asked about fighting at the White House. Playfully brushing it off, he told MMA Junkie last month, “Bro, look at my face. I don’t think they would let me come or whatever.” But seems like things have taken a turn. Yesterday, Khamzat Chimaev teased a major update on X, dropping nothing more than the “🏛️” emoji and letting fans draw their own conclusions.

The undefeated middleweight hasn’t fought in the U.S. since 2022, with his last two outings taking place in Abu Dhabi. For years, rumors swirled that visa issues were keeping him away from American soil. Chimaev confirmed as much, saying, “This wasn’t my bad, wasn’t my fault. Everyone knows I didn’t have a Visa to the US, that’s why I didn’t fight [there]. So now, Donald Trump, he heard, so we go for a fight.”

However, those problems are no longer in the way. Why? Because Khamzat Chimaev has already credited U.S. President Donald Trump for helping him secure a visa, clearing the path for his long-awaited return to America, with a bout at UFC 319 in Chicago, where he faced South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight title. And now, with the visa hurdle cleared, the door is wide open for Chimaev to potentially step into the spotlight at the White House in 2026, if Dana White and President Trump give the green light. The only question left is: who would Chimaev fight?

Islam Makhachev never runs out of options 

“Sean Strickland vs. Khamzat Chimaev at the White House???” one fan asked. American fighter Strickland, ranked No. 3, fell to Dricus du Plessis back in February, while Chimaev already dominated DDP. That makes the matchup feel a little too predictable to some fans. Still, another possible opponent seems to have caught the community’s attention.

“Chimaev vs. Imavov at the White House?” another user suggested. The idea gained steam after Nassourdine Imavov, fresh off his dominant win over Caio Borralho in Paris, called out Chimaev directly for the title. Imavov displayed crisp boxing, relentless pressure, and masterful distance control, validating why 62 percent of his wins have come by knockout, TKO, or submission, earning praise even from Khamzat Chimaev himself. His striking firepower against Chimaev’s relentless wrestling could make for a fascinating clash that fans wouldn’t want to miss. Not everyone, however, is on board with the White House fight idea.

“No one wants a five-round hug fest,” one fan wrote. Others urged Chimaev not to wait too long: “Fight in January, then fight at the White House. Don’t make us wait 10 months.” Another voice chimed in with a warning from du Plessis supporters: “Dricus wants his rematch. Sign the papers now, little bro. We’re knocking you out in the first round.”

Plenty of fans pushed back altogether, arguing that the focus should be on legacy rather than spectacle. “You’re already the best fighter in the UFC. Build a legacy, defend your title,” one comment read. Others expressed concern that Imavov’s title shot could be taken from him and handed to Strickland or Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez. For now, it seems the consensus is clear: fans want Chimaev to defend his belt, most likely against Imavov, before chasing White House history. But what do you think of Khamzat Chimaev’s post?