Dana White compares Khamzat Chimaev’s meteoric rise to Conor McGregor after Russian’s UFC 273 war with Gilbert Burns

UFC boss Dana White has likened Khamzat Chimaev’s rise to stardom to that of MMA legend Conor McGregor.

The undefeated Russian has become a household name among casual fight fans in a mere FIVE fights in mixed martial arts‘ premier promotion.

Khamzat Chimaev has become one of the biggest names in the UFC in just five fights

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And his stock rose even higher after his UFC 273 showdown with Gilbert Burns

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And White has likened Chimaev’s rise to stardom to Conor McGregor’s

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And Chimaev’s rapid rise to prominence has reminded White of those made by superstars McGregor and Ronda Rousey.

During the UFC 273 post-fight press conference, White said: “Yeah, he’s gone that fast (as McGregor and Rousey,

“Fight Island, remember that? He said, ‘I wanna fight again next week.’ I said, ‘OK, let’s do it.’

“And ever since then, he’s been like a rocket ship. I think he’s got three and a half million followers on Instagram.”

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Chimaev, 27, passed the biggest test of his career on a stacked UFC 273 card on Saturday night, defeating former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns via split decision.

White was blown away by the former BRAVE star’s display in his war with Durinho, saying: “You saw what happened tonight.

“Think about this: when’s the last time you saw a guy come out of nowhere?

“Nobody knows who he is, comes out of nowhere, then fights a couple of fights then fights the number two ranked guy in the world. And wins.

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“When you get into the top five in the UFC, no joke, man. And especially in that division.

“That division is straight killers. Tonight was a big test for him and he passed (it).”

When pressed on the criticism Chimaev received for failing to deliver yet another finish, White said: “He’s human.

“Any a**hole that (isn’t impressed) doesn’t think the kid’s human. He’s a human being.

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“And he just beat the number two welterweight in the world in the UFC with a couple of fights in the UFC.

“If you don’t think he’s the real deal, you’re out of your mind.”

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