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Khamzat Chimaev’s future remains uncertain. The Chechen rose to fame quickly inside the Octagon, taking on opponents in multiple weight classes in rapid succession to immediately build a name for himself. All that success was to lead to an absolutely huge jump in competition opposite Leon Edwards, but COVID-19 benched “Borz,” and he’s finding it very difficult to get back up.
Speaking with Dagens Kalmar, Chimaev’s brother Artur further explained the difficulties that his brother has faced in recent months and why Chimaev appeared to retire.
“He has not fully recovered. There are some points on the right lung that are not completely restored. Khamzat had been given antibiotics and after two weeks he thought it was okay to train again,” Artur Chimaev said (transcription via BJPenn.com). “He was completely finished. The lungs could not cope, he began to cough up blood and became frightened.”
Chimaev also posted the following in his Instagram Story about 25 minutes ago.
Translated photo via Reddit courtesy of r/mma user u/thesalamandirk pic.twitter.com/swBAaI9AT3
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 2, 2021
“He became depressed, this means so much to him,” Artur Chimaev continued. “I’ve told him to calm down. To give it time. That this disease affects different people differently. He said that he has decided to continue now. But that it will take some time. I told him to rest for two or three months. Then, it will be good.”
Kevin Holland should probably walk back some of that goofy trash talk.
At any rate, Chimaev’s serious symptoms should serve as a solid reminder of the risk UFC fighters undergo for the promotion and their own careers. Sweaty rooms full of wrestling are definite breeding grounds for the disease, and while most of these young athletes walk off the illness or never grow particularly ill, COVID-19 is no joke.
Not that an ill fighter or two will stop UFC from jumping to Texas for the first available venue with live fans.
Insomnia
The Welterweight division is such a mess that I don’t know where Gilbert Burns goes next, but one thing is certain: these top fivers need to fight each other!
YOU ARE THE MATCHMAKER! WHO DO I FIGHT NEXT??
VOCÊ CASA AS LUTAS, COM QUEM EU LUTO??— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) March 4, 2021
Strange USADA story of the week:
Islam Makhachev with one of the best stats there is in his corner:
It is a bit sad to thing how easily a pair of Heavyweight champions/legends were discarded. I’m not against the move itself, but a bit of love goes a long way …
Two Heavyweight legends get randomly cut from the UFC like they’re some guys who went 0-3. No official statement, no promo on Social Media to thank them for their great fights…..media had to find out because they were taking out of the rankings….
Do better UFC. For real.
— MaRCeL DoRFF (@BigMarcel24) March 4, 2021
A new MMA couple?
I can only assume Aljamain Sterling was able to score a condom sponsorship thanks to his X-Rated post-fight callout of Petr Yan.
Amanda Nunes is pretty good, huh?
Slips, rips, and KO clips
A young Jack Hermansson GOES TO WAR!
You don’t see this variation of calf slicer in MMA very often, and even the more common ones are rare!
Joseph Benavidez will bring the Flyweight violence yet again on Saturday night.
Random Land
Two concerned citizens turn to councilman Ortiz for assistance.
Midnight Music: The new St. Vincent single has MAJOR David Bowie vibes, which is seldom a bad thing.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.