It looks like Khamzat Chimaev may not be fighting yet.
While a cryptic Instagram message on Monday cast doubt on whether the rapidly rising outlook would continue its octagonal run, UFC President Dana White told Chimaev – who is currently in Las Vegas and receiving treatment for a long-running case of COVID-19 – had an emotional moment. but is not ready to call it a career.
“When he got here, the doctors took care of him, and they put him on prednisone, which is a nasty steroid,” White told MMA Junkie. “So he has prednisone, and he’s supposed to take this thing and cool it down, relax and get it repaired. He went in and trained f * cking today, felt like sh * t, and got very emotional and posted it .
“He’s not supposed to practice, but you know, this guy is a savage. He wants to fight like every weekend, and now he can not even practice; he just got emotional and posted it, but he did not stop. ‘
Originally posted in Russian, a Google translation of Chimaev’s text definitely showed that he was ready to retire. Add photos on Instagram to Stories about what appears to be blood in a sink, and the condition clearly does not look positive for the 26-year-old prospect (
I want to thank everyone for their support in my sport. I think I’m done, yeah, I know I did not take the tape, but it’s not the most important victory in this life, it may upset you, but my heart and body tell me everything.
I want to thank my team @allstarsgymsweden 🙏🏼
I want to say thank you very much @ufc 🙏🏼
Chimaev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, did not immediately respond to a request for comment by MMA Junkie. However, White said he spoke directly to Chimaev and said he still believes the Chechen-born fighter will return to the octagon in June.
First, however, he must follow the doctor’s instructions.
“He was flown here so we could look after him,” White said. “We make sure he is taken care of. They got him on medication. It’s going well with him, and he goes in and starts practicing. He is not supposed to exercise, and he is very frustrated.
“He exercises when he needs to rest. He should stay off, at least while using this medication. ”
Chimaev (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) last performed last September when he scored a 17-second result from middleweight Gerald Meerschaert. The win was the unbeaten Chimaev’s third UFC victory in his first two months in the rankings.