Back in Abu Dhabi? Khamzat reportedly aiming for October return “depending on condition”

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Khamzat Chimaev's immediate future is unclear.

The Chechen talent was forced to pull out of his scheduled UFC Saudi Arabia main event bout against Robert Whittaker, replaced by former opponent Ikram Aliskerov, who Whittaker defeated in the first round (watch the highlights). Chimaev responded to the bout by indicating he would like to reschedule his bout with Whittaker, but the Australian will serve as the backup for the title fight between Israel Adesanya and Drix du Plessis at UFC 305. Perhaps “The Grim Reaper” is destined for something bigger.

So what's next for Khamzat? No next fight has been announced yet, but the latest reports suggest that Chimaev and his team are targeting a return at UFC 308 on October 26 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. “Khamzat will be available to compete in the tournament in Abu Dhabi in October, but it all depends on his condition,” the statement read.

That last sentence seems pretty important! Khamzat has been battling health issues since 2020, and at one point his battle with COVID-19 was so severe that Chimaev considered retirement. Since then, he has fallen ill multiple times, and the excessive strain that training camps put on the body seems too much for him to bear.

If Chimaev does indeed return in October, who will he face? Whittaker or Sean Strickland would be the most high-profile options depending on who his next title opponent is, but “Bolz” may have stooped to title contention with his recent absences. Perhaps Paulo Costa, who Chimaev was supposed to fight last year, would be a reasonably high-profile bout but far from a title shot. As for Abu Dhabi, Chimaev's desire to return there would certainly lend further credence to the rumors that he is not allowed to fight in the United States.

We'll have to wait and see how it all plays out.

insomnia

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Sleep tight, enthusiasts! The martial arts madness is about to continue.