Trump is shut pals with UFC president Dana White, who was a key supporter throughout his 2024 election marketing campaign.
Final month Trump mentioned he plans to host a UFC event at the White House subsequent yr as a part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Regardless of his return to the US to tackle Du Plessis, Chimaev doesn’t consider he will probably be invited to battle on the White Home and has downplayed his curiosity in politics.
“I do not perceive why they will put the fights over there,” mentioned Chimaev.
“I am an athlete, a sportsman – all my life I have been coaching. Some folks put me ready like political and break my visa down and I do not know why.
“I am simply doing [it] for my household – combating, coaching. Athletes do not must be with politics. I am not related.”
Du Plessis is making the third defence of his belt, whereas Chimaev is combating for the primary time since submitting Robert Whittaker in October.
Chimaev has lengthy been thought of a future UFC champion, however inactivity and sickness have stalled his profession in recent times.
After submitting Kevin Holland in 2022 – his final look within the US – Chimaev has fought simply yearly, beating Kamaru Usman in 2023 earlier than his win over Whittaker 10 months in the past.
