Khamzat Chimaev, when he recently pulled out of the fight against Robert Whittaker, raised some serious doubts about his future in MMA. Furthermore, new reports emerged that ‘Borz’ is contemplating putting down his gloves and giving up fighting altogether. However, another report has come along, which dismissed Chimaev’s retirement speculations.

Since 2020, health struggles have become a constant hurdle for Khamzat Chimaev. From battling COVID-19 to suffering a serious skin infection, the future, for many, is uncertain not only in the UFC but in MMA as a whole. Now, another “persistent illness” has many fans believing the end of his fighting career is near. But this could not be any further from the truth.

It certainly came as a shock when reports emerged that ‘Borz’ was indeed done fighting due to his medical condition. He’s only 30 years old and may have a year or two under his belt before reaching his prime. But those reports about Khamzat Chimaev aren’t true after all. “Khamzat has no intentions of retiring,” stated Majdi Shammas in a recent interview. (Translated by Google.)

During an interview with the Russian media outlet TASS, Khamzat Chimaev’s manager, Majdi Shammas, denied that the 13-o fight is anywhere ready to retire from mixed martial arts. Meanwhile, ‘Borz’ hasn’t shared any words regarding this speculation, as he’s presumably undergoing treatment to recover from his current illnesses.

Khamzat Chimaev’s manager might have confirmed that he’s not retiring this time, but there was a time when ‘Borz’ went on an indefinite hiatus, sparking worries that retirement might have been an option he considered.

‘Borz’ considered retirement in late 2020

COVID-19 affected millions and millions of people worldwide, and, Khamzat Chimaev was also among those affected individuals. In December 2020, the Emirati star was scheduled to battle the current 170-pound gold holder, Leon Edwards.

But Chimaev’s health complications during the pandemic barred him from that fight coming to fruition. His medical state became even worse because he didn’t work according to how his doctors advised him and started training. This experience ultimately made him believe that his career was indeed over.

“I think I’m done, yes I know I didn’t take the belt, but it’s not the most important victory in his life, it may upset you, but my heart and body tell me everything,” Chimaev wrote on social media. Fortunately, the 30-year-old’s illness would slowly fade away and he’d soon get back inside the Octagon and continue maintaining his place in the winning column.

It’s just been a few days since Khamzat Chimaev pulled out of the Saudi Arabia event, so we can’t be too sure of anything. Hence, we’ll have to wait for more details on his current medical condition. Regardless, what do you make of Chimaev’s ongoing medical issues?