The UFC‘s newest budding superstar is getting a main event slot in his next fight. This week, Dana White confirmed that Khamzat Chimaev (9-0) would be headlining a card in his next trip inside the octagon.
However, the promotion hadn’t finalized an opponent. Originally, the UFC was talking about Chimaev fighting Demian Maia after he fought Gerald Meerschaert. Chimaev demolished Meerschaert in 14 seconds last Saturday at UFC Vegas 11.
While that was the original plans, the promotion has different names in mind. Yesterday, Combate came out with a report that stated that Chimaev would be taking on Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson on December 19th.
However, this fight has not been finalized per Dana White. But, the promotion has offered the fight to Thompson. Wonderboy seems more interested in fighting Leon Edwards who he recently called out per White.
Who will the UFC have fight Chimaev?
Neil Magny came out yesterday and said that he wanted to be the one that the UFC had fight Chimaev next. However, the promotion seems to be looking higher in the rankings than Magny. White said that Leon Edwards wouldn’t be an option for Chimaev.
If Wonderboy doesn’t take the fight, the UFC only has a few more options for Chimaev. They could go with Magny, but they could also pivot back to Demian Maia who’s currently ranked sixth in the division. One spot behind Thompson as of last week’s update.
Michael Chiesa could be another name that the UFC could target. However, I think Maia still makes the most sense given the fight’s headlining status. I think a fight with Maia would bring more eyes as opposed to Chiesa or Magny.
Perhaps the promotion could talk Wonderboy into the fight. Although, a fight with Wonderboy and Leon Edwards makes a ton of sense. The promotion is currently working on it, but we do not that Chimaev will headline in December, we just don’t know who it will be against yet.