Khamzat Chimaev shares update on persistent health concerns

12/02/2024 09:42 AM

Rising to fame since his first fights under the UFC banner, Khamzat Chimaev has been dubbed a future champion for almost half a decade, but health issues have stunted his surge.

Despite keeping his undefeated record intact, the fan-favorite lost some of his hype following several setbacks in a short span. While his last outing against Robert Whittaker was arguably his most impressive to date, 'Borz' has only competed inside the octagon twice in over two years.

During a recent interview, Khamzat Chimaev explained the main cause of his inactivity. Health issues have been a constant problem for Chimaev, and the 30-year-old has now given insight into why he can't escape those difficulties.

"I get sick," Chimaev said. "Like everyone else, I train hard and I'm constantly grinding in the gym."

"When you're constantly training, whether you want it or not, your immunity drops. Always some fans come up, they don't think about whether [they] might have some infection [or sickness] and hug you. Shakes hands."

"When your immunity is down, of course, that infection spreads to you."

Chimaev revealed that he was forced to have half of his thyroid removed, stating that this may be why it affects him more than it would other fighters in the same situation.

Check out Khamzat Chimaev's interview with Adam Zubayraev below.

Related: Daniel Cormier: 'Khamzat Chimaev should be fighting for the belt next'

Khamzat Chimaev hopes to put the health struggles behind him and reach the level many fans believe he is capable of.

Though nothing has been made official, reports are beginning to surface that suggest the Russian may have leapfrogged Sean Strickland in the race for a middleweight title shot.

185 lbs king Dricus Du Plessis has teased a fight with Chimaev on several occasions. The South African has stated his interest in the fresh matchup as opposed to a rematch against Strickland.