We may not see Khamzat Chimaev fight again.
The 9-0 MMA fighter (3-0 in the UFC) has shared a post on Instagram that implies his retirement, though the word itself wasn’t mentioned in the translation from Russian.
“I want to say thank you to everyone for their support in my path in this sport Ñ 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 @ufc ??”
Chimaev also shared a message on his Instagram story over a photo of a sink spattered with what appeared to be blood.
“Take care of yourself and your family — this is the most important thing, I don’t know what kind of illness it is, but it’s not easy to get through.”
Chimaev’s strong career took a turn for the unfortunate beginning in December, when he was diagnosed with COVID-19 and forced to withdraw from his highly anticipated fight against Leon Edwards. The fight was rescheduled for January 20, then canceled again due to continuing complications Chimaev was experiencing from the virus. The third attempt at booking the fight, this time for March 13, was again canceled due to lingering COVID issues for Chimaev. Edwards is now set to face Belal Muhammad in the main event of the card.
The Jiu-Jitsu Times will provide updates on this story as it develops.
