Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: UFC, Dana White, Khamzat Chimaev, Kamaru Usman
Patrick Rowe
UFC star Khamzat Chimaev has called out Dana White for a 'bull****' decision and 'broken promise', according to the fighter.
Chimaev, 29, was last in action at UFC 294 where he beat ex-welterweight champion Kamaru Usman on points, after he moved up a weight class to replace the injured Paulo Costa.
It was a win that Chimaev thought would be rewarded with a title shot in the middleweight division, although that was not the case. The title chance would eventually fall to South African Dricus du Plessis, who went on to claim the belt from Sean Strickland last weekend.
Speaking after Du Plessis secured the win at UFC 297, White commented on the possibility of Chimaev being given the opportunity at UFC 300, where Du Plessis will likely defend his belt. He said: "I know he was very, very sick, and I know he's getting better, but I don't know if he's fight-at-300 better. We'll see."
Chimaev had previously fallen ill following his fight with Usman, after sharing a series of alarming photos on social media of his swollen face and a rash on his body.
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He has since returned to fitness and has now called White out over these comments, while claiming he will be 'ready' if he is given the chance.
"Who else is going to fight him (Du Plessis)? Israel is out [he said] until 2027. All of these guys fought each other," he said to ESPN.
"It's only me who is undefeated and undisputed, so I don't know. They promised me after the Usman fight that [I] will for sure fight for the title, and I won that fight. I don't know what's going on.
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"I heard Dana White said that, "I don't think Khamzat is next for the title", that's the bulls***, man.
"If you promised me something, you have to answer for your words, and I'm the guy who always answers for my words.
"I don't care if it's some president, or a king, if you give me [your] word, you have to answer for that.
"In my mind, it should be me. I asked Hunter to let me fight at UFC 300, so we'll see what they say.
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"I was sick before, and they were asking me during that time and [I told my] manager to let me be healthy first.
"When I felt my health was good, and I was in the gym training, it was the right time. So I will be ready [for UFC 300] if they give me the fight."