TLDR
- Dana White rejected Khamzat Chimaev’s plan to move to light heavyweight before defending his middleweight title
- Chimaev posted ‘205’ on social media, sparking speculation about a weight class jump
- White said he wants to see Chimaev defend his title before jumping weight divisions
- Chimaev won the middleweight championship in August 2025 but hasn’t fought since
- Sean Strickland’s recent win has positioned him as a potential title challenger
Sources: MMA Weekly | BJ Penn | ESPN MMA
UFC CEO Dana White has dismissed the idea of middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev moving to light heavyweight before defending his title. White made his position clear during the UFC Houston post-fight press conference this past weekend.
Chimaev sparked speculation about a weight class change when he posted ‘205’ on social media recently. The cryptic message led many to believe the undefeated champion was planning to challenge for the light heavyweight title.
Dana White on Khamzat Chimaev potentially moving up in weight ⚖️ #UFCHoustoun #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/G3kmeSAowE
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) February 23, 2026
White Demands Title Defense First
“I’d like to see him defend his title at a weight first,” White told reporters. “I’d like to see him defend his title before he talks about jumping around.”
White questioned the logic of moving up without proving himself as champion. “You’re going to keep going up in weight divisions without defending? I’d rather see him defend,” he said.
Chimaev captured the middleweight championship in August 2025 with a dominant performance against Dricus du Plessis. The fighter known as “Borz” hasn’t competed since winning the belt six months ago.
The champion has shown more interest in fighting at 205 pounds than defending his middleweight title. Many believe Chimaev wants to challenge Alex Pereira, the current light heavyweight champion.
Strickland Calls Out Inactive Champion
Sean Strickland finished Anthony Hernandez with a third-round TKO in the UFC Houston main event Saturday night. After his victory, Strickland criticized Chimaev and questioned why the champion hasn’t fought.
Chimaev responded to Strickland’s comments on social media with an expletive. The exchange has fueled speculation about a potential title fight between the two middleweights.
Many experts believe a Chimaev versus Strickland matchup would be the biggest fight available in the middleweight division. Strickland has publicly stated he believes he can neutralize Chimaev’s wrestling and hand him his first career loss.
Nassourdine Imavov was considered the top contender for the middleweight title before Strickland’s impressive finish. Strickland’s performance may have jumped him ahead in line for a championship opportunity.
White’s comments contrast with his stance on Alex Pereira’s potential move to heavyweight. When asked about the light heavyweight champion possibly challenging for a third title, White said he would work with Pereira on whatever he wanted to do.
“He’s one of those guys that always steps up, does whatever we need him to do,” White said about Pereira. “Whatever that guy wants to do, we would work with him.”
The different treatment reflects Pereira’s track record of multiple title defenses across two weight classes. Chimaev has yet to defend any championship.
Chimaev remains undefeated in his professional MMA career. His wrestling ability has dominated every opponent he has faced in the UFC.
Neither Chimaev nor Pereira has a fight currently scheduled. White’s comments suggest Chimaev will need to stay at middleweight for his next bout.
