Arguably the brightest prospect in the MMA world today has released a shocking statement that has rattled the MMA community. UFC welterweight, Khamzat Chimaev has announced retirement from MMA after his long battle with COVID-19.
UFC tried to book Khamzat Chimaev vs Leon Edwards multiple times but the fight did not come to fruition as Edwards had to pull out on those occasions due to health issues. The lingering COVID issue with Chimaev raised concern in the MMA community as Dana White flew him to Las Vegas for medical attention.
A few days after the treatment, Khamzat Chimaev has decided to say goodbye to mixed martial arts in his latest post on Instagram. Chimaev also shared a post of him coughing blood that has got the fans concerned. Chimaev stated:
“I want to say thank you to everyone for their support in my path in this sport я I think I’m done, yes, I know that I didn’t take the belt, but this is not the most important victory in this life, it may upset you, but my heart and body tell me everything.
I want to say a huge thank you to my team @allstarsgymsweden ????????
I want to say a huge thank you.”
Joe Rogan explains medical condition of Khamzat Chimaev
Chimaev has been battling COVID-19 for the past few months and it is believed that it has taken a toll on his body. Recently UFC analyst, Joe Rogan commented on Chimaev’s battle with COVID-19 and stated:
“It’s very unfortunate that he’s suffering from COVID, that he’s got this long-term situation where apparently when he when I have talked to doctors about this, I’m like, what is going on with that. And they said, when you’re training really hard, and then you’re breaking down your immune system, and then you get COVID, you can get it real bad.”
“And when you get it really bad, and then you don’t take care of yourself in terms of like, don’t give yourself adequate time to recover. You go back in before you’re really fully recovered. And also, you’re not taking care of all the inflammation issues that you have with your diet with your supplements.
The incredible journey of UFC welterweight Khamzat Chimaev
Though Chimaev has announced retirement there have not been any statements from UFC president Dana White yet. While the chances of him returning to the octagon are slim fans will look forward to an update from Dana White.
Dana White on Khamzat Chimaev pulling out of Leon Edwards fight