- Dana White denied Khamzat Chimaev is facing Kamaru Usman next
- The UFC boss commented on the recent controversial decision loss of Kai Kara-France
UFC president Dana White has put an end to the rumor claiming Khamzat Chimaev is set to face former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. The boss also shared his honest take on the controversy surrounding Kai Kara-France’s latest defeat.
The UFC knows what to do with Khamzat
Speaking to TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter, White brutally shut down all the murmurs about Chimaev vs. Usman bout. According to the UFC honcho, the UFC already knows what’s next for “Borz” and it will be announced as soon as everything falls into place. However, that wasn’t the case with “The Nigerian Nightmare.”
“Completely not true,” White said. “It’s bullsh*t. We got a plan for Khamzat and when we’re ready to announce it, we will. I don’t know what Usman is gonna do right now. Usman’s still making some decisions, you know. He wants to fight Khamzat but he doesn’t wanna fight at 85. And I’m not doing a catchweight.”
Dana White discusses Amanda Nunes, 🇨🇦 fans, an event on Mexican Independence Day and whether Khamzat Chimaev will be facing Kamaru Usman with @aaronbronsteter. #UFC289
WATCH: https://t.co/uQh6BpCxlP pic.twitter.com/M77QzonovC
— UFC on TSN (@TSNUFC) June 10, 2023
The judges should never be blamed
When asked about the seemingly biased scoring of the judges that saw UFC bantamweight Kara-France a split decision defeat to Amir Albazi, White said controversies are common in every sport. However, as for Kara-France’s recent fight, the UFC boss said he simply should’ve opted for a finish and not rely on the judges.
“What do you think of the state of judgment in all sports? It’s always an issue. You look at the playoffs in the NBA, you look at boxing, It’s always gonna be a thing… [There’s] nothing I can change about it. The athletic commission oversees the UFC… but I know that the Nevada State Athletic Commission always works on trying to get better, they do seminars. After that fight, I’ll go watch and review tapes,” he explained.”
“That fight was a close fight. You’re talking about a round or two… You know what my point is, my point on this would be, when you’re in a big fight, [then] step on the gas. Get in there, try and win the end of the round. Do everything you can to make it so clear that you won the fight. You don’t even involve the judges. It’s the only thing you can do,” he added.
The issue of judges’ scoring is becoming a hot subject of discussion in the UFC. Association of Boxing Commissions Director Mike Mazzulli was prompted to address the issue and pointed out that if anybody has a problem with any of his officials, they are free to reach out.
