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Dana White has high expectations for rising prospect Khamzat Chimaev.
Rising welterweight prospect Khamzat Chimaev is on a roll. After setting a UFC record of the quickest turnaround victory with 11 days, the UFC is reportedly looking to book the 26-year-old fighter for UFC 252 in two weeks.
For his part, UFC president Dana White is so far greatly impressed with Chimaev.
“Khamzat. I mean, you know? The guy is so dominant, so confident, wants to continue to fight every weekend,” White told ESPN on Monday (transcript by MMA Junkie). “I love it. I love guys with that mentality. I love how talented this guy is.
“We threw the hottest prospect out of the U.K. at him and that kid is a badass. That kid is a legit great fighter. (Chimaev) made it look like he didn’t belong there.
“The kid is legit. He’s real and he knows it and I love it.”
Chimaev did compile two impressive wins against John Phillips and Rhys McKee. And if you ask White, Khamzat could be ready for steeper competition.
“We were sitting in here this morning trying to figure out what we think is next,” White said. “If you ask this kid, he’s ready to fight Usman. You know what I mean?
“Is he ready for Usman? The way he looks, who knows? Maybe.”
Chimaev is currently undefeated with an 8-0 record. Both of his UFC fights earned him Performance of the Night honors and $50K in bonuses each.