Dana White has revealed what he wants next for his UFC middleweight champion.
Khamzat Chimaev hasn’t fought since taking the 185lb title from Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in August 2025.
The 15-0 UFC superstar recently teased a move to light heavyweight by writing ‘205’ on X – formerly referred to as Twitter.
Dana White was asked about Chimaev’s weight change tease after UFC Houston on Saturday night.
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Dana White wants Khamzat Chimaev to defend his belt
Sean Strickland knocked out Anthony Hernandez within the third round of their UFC Houston principal event.
Post-fight, the previous middleweight champion expressed his desire to fight Khamzat Chimaev next.
Dana White didn’t comment on that potential matchup, but he did address weight change rumors.
“I’d prefer to see him defend his title at a weight first,” the MMA mogul said when asked about Chimaev potentially moving as much as light heavyweight.
“Yeah, I’d prefer to see him defend his title before he talks about jumping around.
“You’re gonna keep going up in weight divisions without defending?
“I’d reasonably see him defend.”
Sean Strickland bashes bully Khamzat Chimaev
Sean Strickland called Khamzat Chimaev a ‘Chechen w—-‘ during his post-fight interview.
The 34-year-old explained why he’s got an issue with Chimaev backstage at UFC Houston.
“I made him quit training,” Strickland said.
“We were doing positional grappling. He began on my back, and I let him choke me.
“After I walk right into a gym, I find the most important, baddest motherf—er.
“Each time Chimaev walked into the gym, he would find the smallest, lowest-level pro.
“Chimaev is a f—ing bully.”