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Khamzat Chimaev is 3-0-0 under the UFC banner and is widely viewed as one of the biggest prospects in all of MMA right now.
However, the highly touted fighter has been battling the after effects of COVID-19 for the last month-plus and the battle may not be going too well for Chimaev.
The fighter hinted at retiring from professional MMA competition on Instagram:
MMA Junkie provided the following transcript of what Chimaev said in the Instagram post:
I want to say thank you to everyone for their support in my path in this sport ? I think I’m done, yes, I know that I didn’t take the belt, but this is not the most important victory in this life, it may upset you, but my heart and body tell me everything. I want to say a huge thank you to my team @allstarsgymsweden ???????? I want to say a huge thank you @ufc ????????
UFC President Dana White would tell a different story then Chimaev, saying the fighter started training while on medication and it didn’t go well.
“He was flown out here so that we could take care of him,” White said to MMA Junkie. “We get him taken care of. They got him on medication. He’s going to be fine, and he goes in and starts f*cking training. He’s not supposed to be training, and he’s super frustrated. He’s training when he’s supposed to be resting. He’s got to stay off, at least while he’s on this medication.”
White also revealed to MMA Junkie that Chimaev could be back in action by June.
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov also revealed on Instagram that he spoke with Chimaev and the fighter will fight on:
MMA Junkie provided the following transcript of what was said by Kadyrov in the Instagram post:
“Friends, you’ve probably already heard the news about Khamzat Chimaev, who announced his departure from the UFC in his account. Not believing my eyes, I called and talked to Chimaev.
“Khamzat said that the recovery from illness is slow, and, trying to be honest and frank with the fans, he decided not to give them hope.
“I told him that ALL the Chechen people were upset by this news. I reminded Chimaev that all our young people, whom he inspires, are pinning great hopes on his victory, but what can I say – MILLIONS OF FANS IN RUSSIA AND THE WORLD! And if fans need to wait for his return, then we will all look forward to his entry into the octagon with trepidation and patience.
“During our conversation, Chimaev realized how important his career is for every Chechen and promised to make every effort to recover as soon as possible. In the near future, he will fly to the republic, where he will complete a rehabilitation course, hold a training camp and start training. And this means that Khamzat does not leave, HE REMAINS AND WILL BEAT TO THE END!
“The heart and body whispered ‘everything!’ – that is how Khamzat wrote on Instagram. But the Chechen SPIRIT and the will to win shout to him ‘Forward!’ Therefore, I know for sure that Khamzat will take the UFC belt and prove that he is the best of the best!
“And I urge the fans to make a dua, and ask the Almighty for health and a speedy recovery for our beloved athlete, a Muslim and a real konakh Khamzat Chimaev! Gave autto boila khan, NOHCHIIN BORZ HAMZAT!”
