Khamzat Chimaev is considering a return to the UFC in mid-2024, potentially in Saudi Arabia, after declining the opportunity to fight at UFC 300 in April due to Ramadan and the need for more preparation time.
Khamzat Chimaev, the MMA fighter, is on the brink of his next UFC showdown. It’s not been long since his last bout. He emerged victorious against Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 in October. However, Chimaev’s occasional appearances over the years have left fans on edge. They’re itching to see him back in the ring.
The fighter, who’s a contender for two division titles, recently squashed rumors of a UFC 300 fight in April. He was interviewed ahead of the Fight Club Rush 19 event in Stockholm, Sweden. Chimaev hinted at a possible return date. Mid-2024, he said, could be a possibility.
“In the summer, I think — in the summer we’ll be back,” Chimaev stated. He expressed a desire to fight in Saudi Arabia. But, he added, “I don’t think anyone wants to fight me there. So we’ll see what’s going to happen.” He’s waiting for something to materialize. The UFC wanted him for the 300th event, but he declined. “It’s too short a time for [170 pounds], I need more time,” he explained.
Chimaev’s UFC 294 fight was at 185 pounds. He was up against former UFC welterweight champ Usman. Usman had stepped in as a replacement for Paulo Costa, with just 10 days’ notice. After three grueling rounds, Chimaev clinched a unanimous decision victory.
This win seemed to set Chimaev up for a middleweight title challenge. But then, whispers started circulating. He was supposedly in talks to fight welterweight champion Leon Edwards in the UFC 300 main event. However, Chimaev’s observance of Ramadan put a stop to that.
“It wasn’t 100 percent sure, but we had talked, my manager said, ‘Maybe, maybe,’” Chimaev recalled about the potential Edwards matchup. His brother advised against fighting during Ramadan. So, Chimaev said, “after Ramadan we take some time in camp and then we fight anyone.”