Khamzat Chimaev was supposed to be the main attraction at the UFC’s inaugural event in Saudi Arabia with a chance to secure a middleweight title shot. Unfortunately, his plans took a different turn when he had to pull out of the fight against Robert Whittaker due to an illness. As a result, Chimaev will now have to sit back and watch as Ikram Aliskerov steps in to take on Whittaker instead.
Despite maintaining an undefeated record, Chimaev took to Instagram to share his reflections on the situation, showing acceptance of the plans set by a higher power. Currently, information regarding his illness and when he will make his return to the octagon remains undisclosed.
According to UFC CEO Dana White, Chimaev fell seriously ill during his preparations for the fight against Whittaker. White noted that dealing with Chimaev’s recent experiences has been a complex and challenging journey.
Having recently made a comeback after a significant break from the sport, Chimaev triumphed over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Despite facing some difficulties in the later rounds, Chimaev managed to secure a majority decision victory, keeping his flawless record intact.
