Chimaev’s 2024 Return
After nearly a year layoff, Khamzat Chimaev returned to the Octagon at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. ‘Borz’ took on and submitted Robert Whittaker in the 1st round, reaffirming his position in the middleweight title picture.
Since then he has left fans pondering whether he will next in line for a title shot. The current reigning champion is Dricus Du Plessis is heavily rumoured to return at UFC 312, scheduled to take place in Sydney, Australia. Who he might face is still up in the air.
The two likely options are Khamzat and Sean Strickland. Strickland, was promised a rematch with Du Plessis by Dana White. However this was prior to ‘Borz’s emphatic submission win over Whittaker.
UFC 312 Attendance
Chimaev recently revealed that he will be present at UFC 312 – but not in the capacity that some fans may wish.
‘Borz’ is currently scheduled for UFC meet and greets at the event, as opposed to being on the actual fight-card.
Talking on the Hustle Podcast, he said: “Right now there haven’t been any offers, well I’m planning to go there (UFC 312) I already have a contract to have a couple of meetings there, need to go there according to the contract and do some work, meet with fans there, talk and communicate.
“I haven’t talked to anyone about a fight, nothing like that and my plans are to recover.”
Du Plessis has openly said that he would prefer the Chimaev fight over a rematch with Strickland, which makes things somewhat hopeful for the Russian.
This being said, there is still no confirmation that Du Plessis will be on the card at all.
Recovering From Health Setbacks
Chimaev’s health struggles have been well documented. 2021 was a disastrous year for the Russian prospect. An ongoing battle with long-COVID saw him retire from the sport.
Despite this, Chimaev fought his way back into good-health. The journey was not easy however.
On the podcast he detailed the various injuries that prevented him from entering competition, as well as the dispiriting words of doctors.
He said: “You get sick, and it’s no secret to anyone, I got sick often. If you take them all together, I’ve had five or six surgeries I think, and seven or eight fractures.
“I’ve broken down many times. Doctors said ‘You won’t fight anymore’. So far I’m proving that I will, and before the (Kamaru) Usman fight, I also didn’t tell anyone, I’m not that kind of person who likes to talk about such things.
It appears for now that Chimaev is in control of his health problems, however with 5 fight cancellations now on his record, the UFC will likely be precarious in future bookings.
Featured image credit to Embed from Getty Images
