Tall the expectation that there was with the return of Khamzat Chimaev (13-0) to the octagon quickly faded last week. The ‘Wolf of Chechnya’, who was going to fight this coming Saturday in UFC Saudi Arabia against Robert Whittaker (25-7), was confirmed last week after suffering a “violent illness” that forced him to leave the fight. His place will be taken by the also Russian Ikram Aliskerov (15-1), who he precisely won during their time in Brave.
The fact is that now, days later, we have been able to shed a little light on the situation of the always mysterious and charismatic Chimaev. “Food poisoning is always dangerous. He knew his condition, (he knew) that he couldn’t fight. That’s why he canceled it,” declared Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov, who confirmed that he had not spoken with Chimaev but had spoken with his entourage.
Food poisoning is always dangerous. He knew the state of him, (he knew) that he couldn’t fight. That’s why he canceled it.
Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov
This message arrives days after seeing Chimaev on a hospital bed and the words, worrying of course, from Dana White. The Chechen, who has seven victories in the UFC and is undefeated, has also had six fights canceled since he arrived at said company. His entourage, on the other hand, has denied the rumors of retirement.
“We always plan something, but Allah has his own plans for us! Alhamdulilah,” wrote Chimaev in his networks in his first appearance after the fight in Saudi Arabia with Whittaker was cancelled. He seems recovered… and already thinking about his next fight.
