Khamzat Chimaev was supposed to return to the octagon at UFC Saudi Arabia against Robert Whittaker to determine the next challenger for the UFC Middleweight title. Unfortunately, Chimaev fell ill and had to be replaced by Ikram Aliskerov.
Chimaev revealed his illness today, leading UFC CEO Dana White to comment on the situation. White mentioned that Chimaev had been hospitalized and couldn’t train due to a mysterious illness.
Since battling COVID-19 in 2020, Chimaev has faced setbacks that have impacted his career. Despite his strong performances last year, he has struggled with fight cancellations and health issues before matches.
White acknowledged Chimaev’s commitment to fighting but worries about his recurring illness affecting his ability to compete. It’s unclear how long Chimaev will be sidelined, as he’s currently unavailable for medical assessment.
Dealing with Chimaev’s ongoing health challenges has been tough for everyone involved. For the latest UFC Saudi Arabia updates, visit the official UFC website.
