Khamzat Chimaev recently shared a photo of him that concerned fans. However, the fighter later deleted the image and replaced it with another one showing him in a better state.
“Borz” currently has no fight scheduled after winning over Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 in October 2023. The Russian won via majority decision but received a hand injury. However, in a recent photo posted on social media, Chimaev could be seen wearing an oxygen mask and appearing to have patchy-colored skin in another shot. In a smaller picture, the 29-year-old also shared the image of his injured hand wearing support.
Khamzat Chimaev posted and then deleted a picture of himself saying he was very sick pic.twitter.com/RDQnhmnOce
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) January 3, 2024
Alongside the photos is a message from the fighter, who gave an update on his situation:
I was very sick, my hand was injured, so I couldn’t return right away, I want to tell all the fountains, I want to see myself in battle more than all of you, I love this job, I will do and prove that I am the best, as always we do, and I will be back soon to Insha’Allal training
Needless to say, the photos invoked concern to some fans. Chimaev then immediately removed the photo and posted another one where he looked better.
👍🏼🤠 pic.twitter.com/GpIq5i7RH7
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) January 3, 2024
The news follows the UFC’s announcement that Chimaev would be hailed as the No. 1 contender in middleweight after defeating Usman. Despite doing so, however, the promotion gave the title shot to Dricus Du Plessis, who is now set to face Sean Strickland at UFC 297.
The whole situation would explain UFC’s decision to give the spot to the South African fighter. Yet, Chimaev still hasn’t given up on his aspirations to soon get the chance to face his division’s champ.
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) January 3, 2024
“I’m coming back soon for my belt,” Chimaev said in the video following his earlier posts.
In early December, the fighter also expressed interest in joining UFC 300, which will be held in April. In his statement, Borz shared his certainty to “smash somebody” and deliver an impressive performance when he returns. When asked about the possibility of his entrance into the event, the fighter told fans to “Tell Dana White (to) make that happen.”
