UFC star Khamzat Chimaev has been hospitalized with an undisclosed illness.
The Russian destroyer Machine was to return to the Octagon next UFC main event weekend on ABC 6 Saudi Arab,
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But an undisclosed illness has forced the Chechen club man to withdraw from his highly-anticipated middleweight bout with former champion Robert Whittaker.
A worrying photo of a “seriously ill” Chimaev lying in a hospital bed was shared on social media by his teammates Mukhamed Ersakirkhanov and Guram Kutateladze.
“Behind every difficulty lies relief,” UFC lightweight Kuteladze wrote.
Chimaev’s latest medical issue has MMA fans concerned about his fight FutureOn one of which X wrote: “He will never be the same.”
Another said: “This is very unfortunate. It’s clear that COVID-19 has taken its toll on his body. Best of luck to Chimaev.”
Another added: “Khamzat is an incredible talent I hope he is ok.”
One commented: “His Health These fears are worrying.”
Another added: “Honestly this is one of the saddest incidents I’ve ever seen.”
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Chimaev, 30, has yet to comment on his latest Health However, his manager Majdi Shammas has spoken on his behalf.
He wrote: “Very disappointing to report that Khamzat Chimaev (13-0) has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled fight against #3 ranked Robert Whittaker on June 22 in Riyadh.
“He has been to the hospital several times.
“This condition has been put in place within the team, as everyone is fully committed to finding a solution.
“While all available options have been thoroughly considered, the situation has now come to a point where the team has mutually agreed that it is not possible to proceed in this manner,” he said.
“It is unfortunately impossible to enter the cage against a formidable opponent such as Robert without full preparation.
“This is a devastating incident for Khamzat, his coaches, training partners and other team members.
“The highlights of the first trip to the UFC Saudi Arab It was a huge honor and very much looked forward to.
“While this matter is beyond anyone’s control, sincere apologies are extended to the UFC, Dana White, Mick Maynard, Sean Shelby, Hunter Campbell His Highness Turki Alalshikh, Robert Whittaker and his team.
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“And most importantly for the fans who have been waiting for this fight.
“But everything happens for a reason and God has his plans, the goals remain the same.
He said, “Khamzat struggled with his illness for most of the training camp but could not get treatment in time.”
“Khamzat and his team will now get to the root cause of the problems, and he will come back even stronger.”
“Unfortunately this is all part of fighting and as soon as Khamzat is healthy, his much-anticipated return to the Octagon will be rescheduled immediately.”
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Chimaev has not fought since his decision win over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 last October.
A win over Whittaker would have given him a chance to win the middleweight title, which champion Dricus du Plessis will defend against Israel Adesanya later this year.
