Dana White Eyes New Date for Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC Comeback
In the high-octane world of UFC, Khamzat Chimaev’s awaited return is stirring up conversations, following his abrupt exit from UFC Saudi Arabia. Dana White, the UFC President, has his eyes set on a fresh timeline for the undefeated fighter, despite a recent health setback that saw him sidelined due to a ‘violent illness’ during what was to be a main event bout against Robert Whittaker in Riyadh.
Chimaev’s Resilience Amid Health Battles
Chimaev, a formidable force in both the middleweight and welterweight divisions, is no stranger to health challenges. The fighter briefly stepped away from the octagon in 2021 after a severe illness, only to make a triumphant return, claiming victories over renowned adversaries such as Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns. This pattern of resilience defines his career, marked by high stakes and equally high comebacks.
Potential Comeback at UFC 308
White is currently pinpointing UFC 308, scheduled for October 26 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, as the stage for Chimaev’s return. This event, marking the promotion’s 20th anniversary in the region, could be the ideal backdrop for his comeback. “We’ll see what happens. Obviously, maybe we try to move him over to Abu Dhabi and see if he can make that fight,” White remarked during the post-fight press conference.
Since his controversial majority decision win over Usman last October, Chimaev has navigated a series of professional hurdles, including a notable weight miss at UFC 279 which led to a cancelled bout with Nate Diaz, followed by an impromptu match with Kevin Holland.
Health Hurdles and Future Prospects
Chimaev’s frequent battles with illness have been a recurrent theme in his career. Alexander Gustafsson, his fellow countryman and longtime training partner, shared insights into Chimaev’s ongoing health dilemmas with Crypto Sport Betting. “The guy gets ill,” Gustafsson explained. “There is something with his body that reacts to hard training because he is the hardest worker in the room. They have to run some tests and see what the background is.”
Despite these setbacks, Gustafsson remains optimistic about Chimaev’s potential to dominate the top fighters in his divisions. While a shift back to welterweight to face Leon Edwards might be off the cards, matches against fighters like Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya could still be in his future.
Anticipation Builds for Chimaev’s Return
The UFC community is buzzing with anticipation for Chimaev’s potential resurgence in Abu Dhabi. With his track record of overcoming adversities, the upcoming event could be a pivotal moment in his career. Fans and pundits alike are keen to see if this fighter, known for his tenacity and skill, can navigate his health challenges and reassert his dominance in the octagon.
