Dana White already considered a new fighting date for Khamzat Chimaev, only a few moments after he won middleweight gold on Saturday evening.
The UFC president is notorious because he never fights in the immediate aftermath of fighting, often and tells the media that he will watch the future during Tuesday matchmaking meetings. But his answer was different when he was asked about Chimaev after UFC 319 when he dominated Dricus du Plessis to win the title.
Untailed Russian Chimaev claimed before Saturday's show that he wanted to fight again on 26 October in Abu Dhabi on UFC 321. He is an adopted Emirati who represents the colors of the VAE for his fighting.
Dana White Open for Khamzat Chimaev returns to UFC 321
Although he has only fought annually in recent years annually, Khamzat Chimaev maintains a reputation for activity based on his early days in the UFC. And it seems that Dana White would be interested in testing that by having him fight for the next two months by competing in Abu Dhabi.
🚨 Dana White says he will “certainly” consider booking Khamzat Chimaev on #UFC321 on October 25
“I just had a child fight on Tuesday and wanted to turn around and come here. I would definitely consider Abu Dhabi.” 👀👀pic.twitter.com/bqybla1rWH
– Championship Rounds (@champrds) August 17, 2025
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Asked at the press conference after the fight last night about the idea of a quick change, White replied: “I just had a child fight on Tuesday and wanted to turn myself around and fight here. Abu Dhabi? I would definitely consider it.”
Regarding Chimaev's feelings about the idea, he seemed enthusiastic, if not as much when he was on his way to what was eventually a debilitating five rounds. Asked by the media, he replied: “We will see what they say, I am always ready, no injuries, thank God.”
Khamzat Chimaev wanted to make a quick change prior to UFC 319
On the way to the fight, Khamzat Chimaev made it clear that he wanted to return to Abu Dhabi to fight. He has adopted it as his home and proudly represents the VAE with their flag when he competes in the Octagon.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC
“I hope there is no injury and nothing happens in the fight, so I can fight in Abu Dhabi,” Chimaev told the media during an open training in the run -up to UFC 319. “Maybe the belt defend, maybe fight someone else …
'[My inactivity] Wasn't my bad or my fault. Everyone knows that I had no visa for the United States, that's why I didn't fight. That's why I only fought one in Abu Dhabi. Now, Donald Trump here, so we go for fighting. '
The event is already led by newly crowned heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall's first title defense against Ciryl Gane. But it could use a co-headliner with a favorite of fans from the region to add to his attraction.