Tag: Khamzat Chimaev

Manager confirms ‘Persistent illness’ rules Khamzat Chimaev from UFC Saudi Arabia fight: ‘We can’t carry on like this’

Khamzat Chimaev ruled from UFC Saudi Arabia due to persistent illness manager confirmsKhamzat Chimaev’s manager, Majdi Shammas has confirmed his client is currently dealing with a “persistent illness” that has now…

Khamzat Chimaev ruled from UFC Saudi Arabia due to persistent illness manager confirms

Khamzat Chimaev’s manager, Majdi Shammas has confirmed his client is currently dealing with a “persistent illness” that has now forced him out of his scheduled UFC Fight NIght Saudi Arabia main event with former champion, Robert Whittaker next weekend in Riyadh.

Chimaev, the current number ten ranked middleweight contender, was officially ruled from his slated headliner against Whittaker next weekend in Saudi Arabia through injury – with UFC CEO, Dana White claiming the unbeaten Chechen was “violently ill”. 

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In his place steps Russian contender, Ikram Aliskerov – who books his first headliner in the UFC just three fights deep into his tenure, taking on former champion, Whittaker following a two-fight winning spree since landing in the Octagon from the Contender Series.

Khamzat Chimaev ruled from UFC Saudi Arabia due to “persistent illness”

And in a statement released overnight, the above-mentioned Shammas confirmed a “persistent” health battle during training camp had forced Chimaev from the bout – who is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

Khamzat Chimaev picked to land KO win over Robert Whittaker at UFC Saudi Arabia he's got power

“It’s with great disappointment announced that Khamzat Chimaev (13-) has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled fight against #3 ranked Robert Whittaker on June 22nd in Riyadh,” Shammas posted on Instagram.

“The persistent illness that Khamzat has been battling for major parts of training camp could not be cured in time. He has been in and out of hospitals several times. The condition has been kept within the team, since everyone has been absolutely committed to finding a solution. Althought all available options have been throughly considered, it has now come to a point where the team has mutually agreed that it is not possible to carry on like this.”

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“Stepping into the cage not proprly prepared against such a formidable opponent as Robert (Whittaker) is unfortunately impossible.” 

Chimaev’s most recent outing came in the form of a short-notice UFC 294 co-main event last October, in the form of a close, debated majority decision win over former welterweight champion and pound-for-pound number one, Kamaru Usman. 

When do you expect to see Khamzat Chimaev fight again?

Official – ‘Violently ill’ Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia fight, Robert Whittaker now faces Ikram Aliskerov

Violently ill Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia Robert Whittaker now fights Ikram AliskerovAmid reports regarding his participation in next weekend’s UFC Saudi Arabia main event, Khamzat Chimaev has been forced from…

Violently ill Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia Robert Whittaker now fights Ikram Aliskerov

Amid reports regarding his participation in next weekend’s UFC Saudi Arabia main event, Khamzat Chimaev has been forced from his premiere headliner against former champion, Robert Whittaker in Riyadh, with CEO, Dana White confirming a “violently ill” Chimaev has been replaced by the surging, Ikram Alisrekov. 

Earlier this evening, reports emerged detailing how unbeaten Chechen finisher, Chimaev was out of his scheduled fight with former champion, Whittaker next weekend in the promotion’s first trip to Saudi Arabia.

Khamzat Chimaev picked to land KO win over Robert Whittaker at UFC Saudi Arabia he's got power

And tonight, Chimaev has been pictured in a hospital bed with fellow UFC fighter, Guram Kutateladze supporting the middleweight contender.

Robert Whittaker faces Ikram Aliskerov with Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia

Providing an update on the main event bout, UFC boss, White confirmed how Chimaev was “violently ill” and would not be fighting at UFC Saudi Arabia, with former titleholder, Whittaker instead taking on Aliskerov in a short-notice headliner in Riyadh.

Sidelined since February of this year, Whittaker most recently bounced back to winning ways in a unanimous decision win over former title challenger, Paulo Costa in the co-main event of UFC 299 in Anaheim. 

Robert Whittakers warns Khamzat Chimaev pre-Saudi Arabia fight I've an arsenal of skills he's not ready for

As for Aliskerov, the Contender Series product is currently riding an impressive winning run – landing victories in his first Octagon outings.

In his debut in the UFC, Aliskerov took out Phil Hawes with an opening round knockout, before dispatching Warlley Alves with a first round flying knee to boot. In his sole professional defeat, Aliskerov was finished by Chimaev with an opening round KO defeat of his own.

Robert Whittaker closing as betting favorite to beat Paulo Costa at UFC 298

UFC Saudi Arabia takes place on June 22. from Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a middleweight fight between Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov slated to take main event status. 

What are your thoughts on Khamzat Chimaev’s latest withdrawal?

Official – ‘Violently ill’ Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia fight, Robert Whittaker now faces Ikram Aliskerov

Violently ill Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia Robert Whittaker now fights Ikram AliskerovAmid reports regarding his participation in next weekend’s UFC Saudi Arabia main event, Khamzat Chimaev has been forced from…

Violently ill Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia Robert Whittaker now fights Ikram Aliskerov

Amid reports regarding his participation in next weekend’s UFC Saudi Arabia main event, Khamzat Chimaev has been forced from his premiere headliner against former champion, Robert Whittaker in Riyadh, with CEO, Dana White confirming a “violently ill” Chimaev has been replaced by the surging, Ikram Alisrekov. 

Earlier this evening, reports emerged detailing how unbeaten Chechen finisher, Chimaev was out of his scheduled fight with former champion, Whittaker next weekend in the promotion’s first trip to Saudi Arabia.

Khamzat Chimaev picked to land KO win over Robert Whittaker at UFC Saudi Arabia he's got power

And tonight, Chimaev has been pictured in a hospital bed with fellow UFC fighter, Guram Kutateladze supporting the middleweight contender.

Robert Whittaker faces Ikram Aliskerov with Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia

Providing an update on the main event bout, UFC boss, White confirmed how Chimaev was “violently ill” and would not be fighting at UFC Saudi Arabia, with former titleholder, Whittaker instead taking on Aliskerov in a short-notice headliner in Riyadh.

Sidelined since February of this year, Whittaker most recently bounced back to winning ways in a unanimous decision win over former title challenger, Paulo Costa in the co-main event of UFC 299 in Anaheim. 

Robert Whittakers warns Khamzat Chimaev pre-Saudi Arabia fight I've an arsenal of skills he's not ready for

As for Aliskerov, the Contender Series product is currently riding an impressive winning run – landing victories in his first Octagon outings.

In his debut in the UFC, Aliskerov took out Phil Hawes with an opening round knockout, before dispatching Warlley Alves with a first round flying knee to boot. In his sole professional defeat, Aliskerov was finished by Chimaev with an opening round KO defeat of his own.

Robert Whittaker closing as betting favorite to beat Paulo Costa at UFC 298

UFC Saudi Arabia takes place on June 22. from Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a middleweight fight between Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov slated to take main event status. 

What are your thoughts on Khamzat Chimaev’s latest withdrawal?

Report – Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia main event against Robert Whittaker on June 22

Report - Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia main event vs. Robert Whittaker on June 22Khamzat Chimaev is out of his UFC Saudi Arabia headliner with Robert Whittaker. According to a report from Australian…

Report - Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia main event vs. Robert Whittaker on June 22

Khamzat Chimaev is out of his UFC Saudi Arabia headliner with Robert Whittaker.

According to a report from Australian MMA insider Benny P on X, the undefeated Chechen monster has withdrawn from his main event slot on June 22. Chimaev was scheduled to square off with ‘The Reaper’ in what would have likely been a middleweight title eliminator.

The report goes on to claim that the current front-runner to step into Chimaev’s spot is No. 4 ranked contender Nassourdine Imavov.

“Per sources Khamzat Chimaev is out of his fight Next week against Robert Whittaker the front runner to replace Chimaev is Nassourdine Imavov,” Benny P wrote.

Khamzat Chimaev

Thus far, there is no word on what caused Chimaev to back out of the bout, but Whittaker made it clear on social media that he’s more than willing to accept anyone willing to step up, writing “Anyone Anywhere Anytime” on Instagram.

Khamzat Chimaev

With the UFC already dealing with Conor McGregor drama, they really didn’t need another Khamzat Chimaev withdrawal

It’s an unfortunate turn of events for the UFC, especially considering the promotion is already dealing with a truckload of drama surrounding Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return which was originally scheduled to go down one week after the UFC’s debut in Saudi Arabia.

McGregor/Chandler

MMA Hour host Ariel Helwani recently shared another grim update about McGregor’s clash with Chandler at UFC 303, noting that the cancelation is a “formality” at this point and that Dana White and Co. are scrambling fast to find a replacement opponent for Chandler or a new fight altogether.

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June has not been a very kind month to the UFC or MMA fans in general. Here’s to hoping the promotion can pull at least one rabbit out of their hat and save the second half of the month.

Dricus du Plessis eyes Khamzat Chimaev battle with UFC Saudi Arabia win: ‘I would love to fight him’

Dricus du Plessis eyes Khamzat Chimaev with UFC Saudi Arabia win I would love to fight himUndisputed middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis is all ears to a future title defense against the unbeaten, Khamzat Chimaev…

Dricus du Plessis eyes Khamzat Chimaev with UFC Saudi Arabia win I would love to fight him

Undisputed middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis is all ears to a future title defense against the unbeaten, Khamzat Chimaev should he win next weekend at UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia – however, is less than keen on fighting ex-champion, Robert Whittaker again if he beats the Chechen this month.

du Plessis, the current undisputed middleweight kingpin, headlined UFC 297 back in January in Canada, landing the divisional crown in a controversial, and much debated split decision win over Sean Strickland.

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The victory kept the Pretoria native’s perfect promotional run in check since his 2020 debut with the organization to boot.

Dricus du Plessis eyes light heavyweight move chases title fight We've seen Alex Pereira get hurt a lot
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

And linked with a summer comeback fight, du Plessis recently revealed he had agreed to defend his crown next in a rescheduled title fight with former two-time champion, Israel Adesanya – with the duo linked to a UFC 305 battle in Perth as soon as August.

Dricus du Plessis eyes Khamzat Chimaev title fight

Sharing his thoughts on other contenders whom may present themselves to him in the future, du Plessis welcomed the chance to face off with Chimaev – as soon as he beats Whittaker as the prepare to fight next weekend in Riyadh.

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 21: Khamzat Chimaev of the United Arab Emirates prepares to face Kamaru Usman of Nigeria in a middleweight fight during the UFC 294 event at Etihad Arena on October 21, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

“Should he (Khamzat Chimaev) beat (Robert) Whittaker, I would love to fight Khamzat,” Dricus du Plessis told Fight Wave. “In my opinion, should Whittaker beat Khamzat, I don’t think it warrants him a title shot. Honestly [I] would love to see him and (Sean) Strickland fight it out for [a] number one contender fight.”

“I was willing to fight Strickland, Khamzat, (Israel) Adesanya,” Dricus du Plessis continued. “I’m champion. I have to fight who they [the UFC] give me. I want to fight the best guy. Strickland fans were like, ‘Fight him again.’ I said, ‘Guys, I will fight him again.’ I don’t make that decision [when].” 

Would you like to see Dricus du Plessis fight Khamzat Chimaev this year?