‘He Looks Pretty In All His Pictures’- Kevin Holland Claims Khamzat Chimaev Overplayed the Effects of COVID-19

UFC middleweight, Kevin Holland, spoke to the media covering his first main event match-up against divisional staple Derek Brunson. ‘The Trailblazer’ touched on various topics, including Israel Adesanya’s recent loss at UFC 259 and wanting to fight Robert Whittaker on short notice. What’s more, he also commented on fellow breakout star, Khamzat Chimaev, and his battle with COVID-19.

‘Borz’ who garnered record levels of attention in 2020 has been out of commission for several months now. His last two bookings against top welterweight Leon Edwards were canceled due to complications from COVID-19. He hasn’t been able to make a full recovery and training has reportedly become a laborious task for him.

Additionally, Chimaev came out not too long ago and virtually announced his retirement, a statement since been retracted. It seems, for the time being, he’s focused solely on recovery.

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Kevin Holland has warring words for Khamzat Chimaev

There is no love lost between Khamzat Chimaev and Kevin Holland and ‘Big Mouth’ drove that point home. Chiefly, Holland had plenty to say about the validity of Chimaev’s medical condition and he didn’t hold back.

“No, why would I regret those comments? He still looks pretty in all his pictures and it’s like everybody says he feels bad and I had seen him like two days before he felt bad. We were about to lowkey fight inside the lobby all over again. I mean, he didn’t feel that bad that hour. It is what it is.”

“I feel like the guy is personally getting better so when he comes back he has to fight the tougher competition, he can continue to smash the way he’s been smashing. But I could be wrong, I’m known for being wrong. Hell, I didn’t even graduate from high school. I’m known for being wrong.”

Holland’s theory aside, Khamzat Chimaev’s eventual return to UFC’s octagon will certainly be met with a lot of anticipation. The UFC brass as well as the fans have all gotten behind him for the various looks he’s showcased thus far. However, there’s no definitive timeline for his return to the octagon and no clear-cut opponent in sight.