Chimaev targets White House title defense in June

Khamzat Chimaev's coach Alan 'Finfou' do Nascimento revealed that the middleweight champion is targeting a historic fight at the UFC White House event on June 14, 2026. Chimaev is strategizing his return around Ramadan (February 18 - mid-March) and aims to compete in June or July before a title defense later in the year. The coach believes three fighters are in contention for the next title shot: Dricus du Plessis, Anthony Hernandez, and Sean Strickland. Nascimento emphasized the team's focus on maintaining championship-level discipline and not underestimating any opponent. The White House event represents an unprecedented opportunity, as even legendary fighters from previous eras never competed at that venue.