Khamzat Chimaev Points Fingers at Dana White & Co. For Denying Basic Requisite for Fighting at 170 Pounds – “I Need 3 Months…”

Khamzat Chimaev was all set to take on Robert Whittaker in his last fight at the UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia. However, the 30-year-old withdrew from the battle at the last minute because of a severe illness. ‘Borz’ is currently recovering from the illness and is looking to get back into action soon.

Chimaev recently appeared on a YouTube show to give an update about his health. He is desperately waiting for his next clash and is eager to fight again. However, the 30-year-old seemed a bit dissatisfied with the way the UFC handled his weight cut and wants to fight in the 170-pound division again.

Khamzat Chimaev eyes a return to the welterweight division but demands time

Khamzat Chimaev is currently undefeated in the UFC and one of the feared fighters in the middleweight division. ‘Borz’ till date has fought in two different divisions (welterweight and middleweight) and has managed to beat the best. However, he feels the UFC does not give him enough time to prepare for the welterweight division. His last fight took place in the middleweight division and he is confident of making a return to welterweight once again. While speaking to the undefeated fighter, the host asked him if he would make a return to the 170-pound division or not. Chimaev was quick to respond and said, “Of course, it’s just possible.”

However, he demanded time from the UFC and also wanted a full training camp to get there. ‘Borz’ further added, “They don’t give me time. Every time they offer 77(kgs), there are 3 weeks before the fight or a month before the fight. I need 3 months of a full-fledged camp and a good diet to work with a nutritionist. I used to do this whole thing and now I don’t think that there will be a problem if a championship fight is offered. They will give me a month and I’ll do it. So I think it will work.” Chimaev seems to be slowly getting back to full fitness and is confident of taking on the challenges ahead of him.

After a series of health-related issues, fans felt that the undefeated fighter would retire from the sport. However, the 30-year-old surprised everyone when he announced his return date and demanded a title shot.

Khamzat Chimaev is eyeing a title shot in his comeback fight

Khamzat Chimaev is definitely not considering retirement from the sport as many believed. The Chechen fighter has had a lot of issues related to his health in recent times. Borz was last seen in action in October 2023. Despite staying out of action for such a long period, the 30-year-old is still hungry for the title. Chimaev is eyeing his comeback at UFC 308 in October and wants a title shot next in his career.

Chimaev said, “Most likely [my return will happen] in October in Abu Dhabi. The opponent is not yet known, but I would like to fight for the title. I have seven fights, seven victories. There is no fighter in the UFC who has won seven fights without fighting for the belt. Dana White constantly says different things, but we are negotiating.” ‘Borz’ is currently undefeated in his UFC career and was once considered the number one contender for the title. However, with his recent withdrawals, Chimaev might just find it hard to get a title shot this soon. He will have to once again prove his worth to get a title shot in the middleweight division.

Do you think Khamzat Chimaev deserves a title shot in his next fight? Let us know in the comments below.