These days, UFC middleweight star Khamzat Chimaev has become a prime target for critics ahead of his upcoming fight against former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 this fall. Much of the criticism stems from his history of pulling out of major fights, which earned him the nickname ‘King of Withdrawals.’ A prime example is the postponement of his previous fight with Whittaker some time ago. Now, determined to leave his troubled past behind, ‘Borz’ has vowed to deliver the best performance of his life against Whittaker in order to silence his critics.

However, the criticism shows no signs of slowing down, especially after Chimaev shocked the entire MMA community by announcing, “I am going to take a big step forward,” referring to his decision to change coaches. This bold move has raised questions in the MMA world about whether it’s wise to make such a significant change so close to the fight, with only a month left.

Chael Sonnen supports Khamzat Chimaev amid critics’ skepticism

Khamzat Chimaev’s decision to return to his former coach, Salim Noutsalkhanov, who guided him during his wrestling career before he transitioned to MMA, is raising eyebrows ahead of his highly anticipated fight in Abu Dhabi. While many analysts consider this a bold but foolish choice, fighter-turned-analyst Chael Sonnen sees it differently.

At the same time, he empathized with ‘Borz’s’ former coach, Andreas Michael, the head coach of Allstar Training Center, saying, “I would feel very bad for that team because I know those coaches, man. They took you in like a son. That would be very hard.” However, Sonnen finds the switch intriguing, stating, ” I’m just speaking purely about (Khamzat) Chimaev and where I think he can go. There will be nobody that knowns him better than the coach who took him in as a little boy and guided him until he became a young man.”

That analysis clearly gives Chimaev a thumbs up who earlier claimed, “I used to go to the gym and train till I was done. But then I ended up in hospital. Like the last time when I was in hospital, three times in a row within three weeks. My immune system went down, I got sick. Now I use a better approach. I work with good coaches. Salim [Noutsalkhanov] raised a lot of world champions.”

Definitely, Khamzat Chimaev’s move interesting, However, it raises doubts because his issues have never stemmed from his form or performance in the MMA. Since his debut in UFC, he has remained undefeated. The real obstacle in Chechen wolf’s career has been himself, particularly his over-training and poor immunity, which have recently been highlighted by his former training partner.

Caio Borralho highlighted the real problem with Khamzat Chimaev

Last month, Brazilian sensation Caio Borralho made waves in the UFC’s middleweight division after securing his ninth consecutive win in the promotion against Jared Cannonier. However, Borralho garnered more attention for his interview with Submission Radio, where disclosed several insights about his friend and former training partner, #12 middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev. ‘Borz’, who debuted in the UFC before Borralho, now lags behind him in terms of fight experience due to his past pullouts against fighters like Paulo Costa.

The Brazilian sensation explained the reason behind his former training partner’s withdrawals, stating, “He trains a lot. Like, I haven’t seen any other guy in my life that trains as much as he trains, you know. Maybe that’s why sometimes he, like, kills his body and doesn’t make it to the fight. But definitely, he’s guy that over trains everyone in the room.”

What are your thoughts on Chael Sonnen’s remarks? Do you think Khamzat Chimaev’s decision to go back to his former coach is a good idea just before his fight against someone like Robert Whittaker? Drop your opinion below.