Khamzat Chimaev Considers UFC Hiatus if Year-End Fight Does Not Happen

Khamzat Chimaev could take another hiatus from the Octagon if the Ultimate Fighting Championship fails to offer him a fight by the end of the year. The former UFC middleweight champion had initially targeted a return in October in Abu Dhabi, but he now says he has reached a point where he may step away from competition to address several lingering health issues.

Speaking to Adam Zubayraev, Chimaev explained that he does not want to enter the cage compromised again, something he noted he has done several times in the past. To resolve those physical setbacks, Chimaev indicated that taking time off for necessary procedures is on the table if a bout is not finalized soon.

"If nothing happens in October or December, I think I’ll take a little break," Chimaev said. "I have a lot of injuries that I need to get treated. I’ve been putting off my surgeries, putting them off, putting them off, and I go into every fight with some kind of problem.

I don’t really like talking about my problems or injuries. People already know that I get sick often."

Chimaev has been campaigning for a title shot and rematch with current middleweight champion Sean Strickland. However, with Nassourdine Imavov strongly rumored to be the next challenger in line for the 185-pound championship, Chimaev's immediate plans inside the Octagon remain unconfirmed.