Dana White goes off on reporter over “stupid question” about Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis 

Dana White gave an unexpected response to a journalist asking about the chances of Khamzat Chimaev fighting for the title. Following Chimaev's UFC 308 win over Robert Whittaker, many expected him to challenge middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis.

However, the promotion announced that Du Plessis would defend the title against Sean Strickland in the UFC 312 rematch set for February. During the UFC 310 post-fight press conference, a journalist asked White how close Chimaev was to getting the title shot. The visibly irked UFC CEO responded:

"How close was it? Argh... Guys, what are you... Is this 'stupid question' night? 'How close was Chimaev to getting a title shot'... He's not next for the title shot. How close was he? I don't know. We sit in a room every Tuesday and we pick fights. [Chimaev] is always in the conversation, yes! Thank you!"

Check out Dana White's comments below (16:28):

White seemed to have a rough day with the journalists during UFC 310 as he blasted another journalist for his question about Kron Gracie. The journalist's questioning led White to believe he was attempting to get the UFC boss to say that Gracie should retire from MMA after the lackluster UFC 310 performance against Bryce Mitchell.

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Dana White wants Khamzat Chimaev to fight for the UFC title in USA

While the UFC didn't finalize Khamzat Chimaev's name as Dricus du Plessis' next challenger, Dana White seems to have bigger plans for hte Chechen-born fighter. Speaking on the Jim Rome Show in November, White praised Chimaev's impressive finish of Robert Whittaker:

"He was dead on. This guy’s never looked better, especially against the competition that he had. I’m looking forward to him getting a title fight in ’25."

When asked if Chimaev's next opponent and venue has been finalized, White responded:

"We’ll see how this plays out here, but I want him to fight in the United States. I want him to fight for a title here in the U.S.”

Check out Dana White's comments below (8:13):

Chimaev last competed in the United States in September 2022. There were rumors that he wasn't permitted to enter the country, allegedly due to his connection with Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov. However, in an interview with Shakiel Mahjouri before UFC 308, Chimaev clarified that there was no such ban.