Khamzat Chimaev has announced his return to fighting, after teasing retirement in March.
Surprise surprise I’m coming back to smash everybody -- pic.twitter.com/2oOFJ1N4CN
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) March 23, 2021
Khamzat Chimaev seemed to be calling it quits to his MMA career after lingering Covid complications kept him outside the Octagon. Despite winning his first three UFC fights in the span of three months, Chimaev had announced on Instagram in a since-deleted post that he was retiring:
"I just want to say thank you all so much for supporting me in my journey in this sport. I think I'm done, yes I know I didn't take the belt but it's not the most important victory in this life, it may upset you but my heart and body tell me everything. I want to say a big thank you to my team [All Star Gym: Sweden]. I want to say a big thank you to the UFC."
Since then, Dana White has denied Khamzat's retirement claim, insisting that it was a heat-of-the-moment decision. Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chechen leader, came out and claimed the same. Until now, Khamzat has not publically acknowledged whether he was officially retiring or not.
Ali Abdelaziz, Chimaev's manager, implied the return of his undefeated star as well. Ali also played the role of matchmaker and suggested a bout against Neil Magny or Kevin Holland.
The wolf been in the mountain plotting coming to you in the summer @KChimaev --------#Hungrywolf pic.twitter.com/aBZt2yrKPl
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) March 23, 2021
Chimaev's last fight was a 17-second stunner against Gerald Meerschaert- Gerald was knocked out with the first blow. With Covid seemingly behind him, Chimaev hints to be back soon.
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