The biggest breakout star from the UFC‘s first run on Fight Island was Khamzat Chimaev (8-0). Chimaev fought twice in ten days and completely dominated both opponents. Chimaev scored finishes in both of those fights.
Once the UFC returned to the US, Chimaev let it be known that he wanted to fight again as quickly possible. However, visa issues have caused Chimaev to sit on the sidelines. Those issues have been resolved, and according to Dana White, the UFC has two fights in the works for Chimaev.
“I think he (Chimaev) gets here Sunday or Monday. He’ll fight here and he’ll fight on Fight Island,” White said during a media scrum. When asked about potential opponents, White said, “We’re still working on a fight for him here, but we’re talking about him and Demian Maia on Fight Island.”
Building the UFC’s Next Star
This is probably the first time I’ve ever heard the UFC and Dana White planning out a contender’s future opponent without announcing his next opponent. Chimaev has become a sensation since his fights in July. Still, I’m a little shocked that White discussed the Maia fight on Fight Island. Especially considering he didn’t say who Chimaev is going to fight on September 19th.
Based on the UFC‘s assumption that he will get through the September 19th fight, I wouldn’t expect someone of significance in that matchup. It’s clear that the UFC is booking Chimaev’s next fight as a showcase fight to setup the Maia fight.
Demian Maia (28-10) would be a big step up for Chimaev. Maia is arguably the best jiu jitsu practitioner in the UFC. He’s challenged for the title a couple of times and he’s currently ranked seventh in the welterweight division.
If Chimaev smashes his next opponent then smashes Maia on Fight Island, he realistically is only going to be one or two wins away from a UFC title shot. It looks like the promotion is putting Chimaev on the fast track.