"Title fight next" - Fans react to training footage of Khamzat Chimaev days after Robert Whittaker win at UFC 308 

Khamzat Chimaev made a spectacular return to the octagon with a dominant performance against former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. Chimaev submitted Whittaker in the first round, marking the Australian's first-ever submission defeat in the UFC. 'Borz' is now back in training, with many calling for the undefeated phenom to be handed a title shot.

A post shared by @ChampRDS on X showed Chimaev training in Stockholm, Sweden. Many fans commented on the post, with one user posting:

“Title fight next”

Another fan claimed that Chimaev is looking "sharp":

“Khamzat is looking sharp and ready”

Speculating on when he'll return to action, one fan wrote:

“February Saudi maybe”

Check out a compilation of fan reactions below:

Fans react to Khamzat Chimaev training video

Chimaev was slated to fight Whittaker this past summer, but health complications on the former's end pushed the bout to UFC 308 in October. His near-perfect performance has seen fans and notable figures in the sport call for a fight between 'Borz' and reigning middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis.

---

Joe Rogan calls for a title shot for Khamzat Chimaev during UFC 308 watchalong

Joe Rogan reacted live to UFC 308 on his podcast and was shocked to see Khamzat Chimaev comfortably defeat Robert Whittaker. Impressed by the Chechen's performance, the UFC commentator said:

"[Chimaev's] a scary motherf**ker. That grappling is next level. He's a beast... Once he gets a hold of you, it's so dangerous... You give him the title shot. Holy s**t. He gets a title shot, I think."

Check out Joe Rogan’s comments below (2:07:28):

Earlier this year, UFC CEO Dana White revealed that former champion Sean Strickland, currently ranked No.1, would get a rematch with current 185-pound king Dricus du Plessis. However, with Chimaev rising to the No.3 spot, there's growing speculation that he could leapfrog Strickland in the title mix.

Moreover, du Plessis has made it clear that he would prefer the Chimaev fight over a Strickland rematch, eager to take the '0' from the undefeated star's record.