The winner of Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker, who collide in the UFC 308 pay-per-view (PPV) co-main event on Oct. 26 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, is hoping to earn a middleweight title shot against the winner of this fight.
Instead, they may have to prove themselves against UFC 307’s Roman Dolidze.
“I would like to fight in December (against) the winner or loser of the Khamzat and Whitaker fight because both of these fighters are incredible, good fighters,” Dolidze said at the UFC 307 post-fight press conference (watch the replay here).
“I respect them, and as always, I want to test myself with the best,” Dolidze continued. “I think these guys are best in our division.”
Dolidze is ranked between Whittaker (No. 3) and Chimaev (No. 12) at No. 10.
The 36 year-old “Caucasian” is coming off back-to-back wins over Anthony Smith and Kevin Holland, the latter of which ended prematurely after “Trailblazer” injured his rib in the opening frame. Waiting on the results of UFC 308 means Dolidze will be out of action until early 2025, or later, depending on how Chimaev-Whittaker shakes out.