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Khamzat Chimaev threatens fighting hiatus if no bout booked by December
Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has issued an ultimatum to the promotion, stating he will take a hiatus from fighting if he is not booked for a bout by December.
Chimaev, who suffered his first career loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in May, revealed he is struggling with significant health issues and accumulated injuries. He disclosed that he has undergone six surgeries, has been under anesthesia seven times, and is living without half of his thyroid gland. He noted that he has frequently competed while managing various physical problems.
While Chimaev expressed interest in fighting in October or December, he indicated that if no matchup materializes, he will prioritize medical treatment and surgeries he has previously postponed. He also commented on the potential title shot for Nassourdine Imavov, suggesting the organization may be moving toward a Strickland-Imavov matchup instead of a direct rematch with him.
Entities
Khamzat Chimaev · Nassourdine Imavov · Sean Strickland · UFC
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Khamzat Chimaev will take a hiatus from fighting if he is not booked for a bout by December. boxingnews.com · www.lowkickmma.com · www.mmafighting.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Chimaev lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland via split decision at UFC 328 in May. boxingnews.com · www.lowkickmma.com · www.mmafighting.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Chimaev revealed he is missing half of his thyroid gland. boxingnews.com · www.lowkickmma.com · www.mmafighting.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Chimaev requested a fight in Abu Dhabi but received no response from the UFC. boxingnews.com · www.mmafighting.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Chimaev has undergone six surgeries and has been under anesthesia seven times. boxingnews.com · www.lowkickmma.com · www.mmafighting.com