UFC in talks for Khamzat Chimaev vs. Demian Maia

After making his UFC debut in July, fighting twice and just ten days apart, undefeated Chechen prospect Khamzat Chimaev ran into some US visa issues, preventing him from signing another fight deal.

That issue has now been resolved, as UFC president Dana White announced in a news conference that Chimaev will be arriving on US soil shortly to fight in a UFC Apex event.

However, it was White’s other announcement that perhaps drew more attention. The promotional president said that the UFC is trying to arrange for Chimaev to fight Brazilian veteran Demian Maia on a future “Fight Island” event in Abu Dhabi.

This would be a big step up in competition for Chimaev, as Maia is the #7 ranked welterweight. “This guy wants to [fight]. I love that mentality,” said White.

Chimaev made his debut on July 15th at UFC on ESPN 13, defeating John Phillips, then he competed on July 25th at UFC on ESPN 14, defeating Rhys McKee. He absorbed just two strikes combined through both fights.