Khamzat Chimaev Breaks Silence on the Illness That Forced Him Out of UFC Saudi Arabia

Chimaev withdrew from the planned June 2024 fight with Robert Whittaker in Saudi Arabia after falling ill. He later met Whittaker at UFC 308 on October 26 and won by face-crank submission at 3:34 of the first round. The UFC’s official results document the bout.

The Illness Strikes Again

Khamzat Chimaev, known for his relentless fighting style and impressive record, has faced numerous health challenges in recent years. His battle with COVID-19 in 2020 significantly impacted his career, leading to multiple cancellations and even retirement rumors. Despite making a strong comeback, Chimaev’s health woes resurfaced, culminating in his withdrawal from the highly anticipated fight against Whittaker.

In a recent social media post, Chimaev revealed that he had been suffering from what he described as a “violent illness.” This condition, which has plagued him intermittently, flared up once again during his training camp for the Saudi Arabia event. Chimaev’s training partner, Alexander Gustafsson, provided further insight, explaining that Chimaev’s body often reacts negatively to intense training sessions, making him susceptible to frequent illnesses.

Dana White’s Announcement

UFC President Dana White confirmed Chimaev’s withdrawal, describing the fighter’s condition as “violently ill.” White expressed his disappointment but emphasized the importance of Chimaev’s health and well-being. In response to the sudden change, the UFC quickly moved to find a replacement, selecting Ikram Aliskerov to step in against Whittaker.

The Replacement: Ikram Aliskerov

Ikram Aliskerov, a rising star in the UFC, was initially scheduled to face Antonio Trocoli in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 93. However, with Chimaev’s withdrawal, Aliskerov was promoted to the main event against Whittaker. Aliskerov, who has a professional record of 15-1, shares a history with Chimaev, having faced him in Brave CF in 2019, where Chimaev emerged victorious via first-round knockout.

Chimaev’s Future

Chimaev’s withdrawal from UFC Saudi Arabia delayed the planned matchup with Whittaker, but the fight eventually took place at UFC 308. Chimaev won by face-crank submission at 3:34 of round one, then continued his run toward the middleweight title.

Conclusion

Chimaev’s June 2024 illness forced him out of the Saudi Arabia main event, where Ikram Aliskerov replaced him against Whittaker. Chimaev later faced Whittaker at UFC 308 and won by first-round submission, resolving the bout that this article previewed.

Citations:
[1] https://bloodyelbow.com/2024/07/19/khamzat-chimaev-finally-addresses-the-violent-illness-that-forced-him-out-of-ufc-saudi-arabia-main-event-fight/
[2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2024/06/13/ufc-saudi-arabia-takes-a-huge-hit-with-chimaev-falling-violently-ill/
[3] https://bloodyelbow.com/2024/07/16/khamzat-chimaev-names-most-likely-date-for-ufc-comeback-after-overcoming-violent-illness/
[4] https://www.lowkickmma.com/khamzat-chimaev-illness-i-had-headaches-ufc/
[5] https://twitter.com/BloodyElbow/status/1814222913253638184
[6] https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-mma-news-unsettling-reason-why-khamzat-chimaev-is-out-of-ufc-saudi-arabia-borzs-health-conditions-explained/
[7] https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/ufc/khamzat-chimaev-robert-whittaker-ufc-saudi-b2562605.html
[8] https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/40345382/khamzat-chimaev-ufc-main-event-whittaker-illness