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

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Khamzat Chimaev’s rapid future is unsure.

The Chechen expertise was pressured to withdraw from his deliberate UFC Saudi Arabia principal 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 struggle versus Whittaker, however the Australian is planning to behave because the again up for the UFC 305 title struggle 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 line with the newest report, Chimaev and his staff are aiming for a return at UFC 308 on October 26 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The assertion reads, “Khamzat can struggle on the match in Abu Dhabi in October. However every part will rely on his situation.”

That final sentence feels fairly necessary! 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 sick 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 struggle? Whittaker or Sean Strickland can be essentially 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 newest withdrawal. Maybe Paulo Costa — who Chimaev was imagined to struggle final 12 months — can be an acceptably high-profile however not fairly title eliminator struggle? As for Abu Dhabi, Chimaev’s desire for returning there positively provides additional credence to the rumor that he’s not allowed to struggle in the US.

We’ll need to see the way it all shakes out.

Insomnia

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