Abu Dhabi once more? Khamzat reportedly focusing on October return relying ‘on his situation’

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Khamzat Chimaev’s quick future is unsure.

The Chechen expertise was pressured to withdraw from his deliberate UFC Saudi Arabia fundamental occasion versus Robert Whittaker. He was changed by former opponent Ikram Aliskerov, who Whittaker sparked within the very first spherical (watch highlights). Chimaev reacted to the bout and expressed curiosity in rebooking the combat versus Whittaker, however the Australian is planning to behave because the again up for the UFC 305 title combat between Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis. Presumably, “The Reaper” is on to greater and higher issues.

So, what’s subsequent for Khamzat? We’re nonetheless a great distance off from discovering out his subsequent match up, however in accordance with the most recent report, Chimaev and his workforce are aiming for a return at UFC 308 on October 26 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The assertion reads, “Khamzat can combat on the match in Abu Dhabi in October. However every little thing will rely on his situation.”

That final sentence feels fairly essential! Khamzat has battled with well being points courting again to 2020, and at one level his wrestle with COVID-19 was so extreme that Chimaev was contemplating retirement. Since then, he’s fallen ailing greater than as soon as, and the extreme pressure coaching camp places on the physique appears an excessive amount of for him to deal with.

If Chimaev does certainly return in October, who will he combat? Whittaker or Sean Strickland could be probably the most high-profile choice relying on which man receives the subsequent title shot, however “Borz” could have misplaced floor within the title image with the most recent withdrawal. Maybe Paulo Costa — who Chimaev was imagined to combat final 12 months — could be an acceptably high-profile however not fairly title eliminator combat? As for Abu Dhabi, Chimaev’s choice for returning there undoubtedly provides additional credence to the rumor that he’s not allowed to combat in the US.

We’ll must see the way it all shakes out.

Insomnia

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