Khamzat Chimaev may have been forced to miss UFC Saudi Arabia due to a severe illness, but that didn’t stop him from watching the event closely. The reworked main event saw Robert Whittaker deliver a first-round knockout against Ikram Aliskerov, a fight that was originally supposed to feature Chimaev opposite “The Reaper.” Chimaev’s unexpected health issues cost him the opportunity to fight, leaving fans to speculate whether it was a missed chance or a stroke of luck saving him from a potential knockout loss.
Chimaev took to social media to share his reaction to the outcome, writing, “Congratulations [Robert Whittaker] we are not done! I wish you a speedy recovery [Ikram Aliskerov] keep your head up my brother.” (via Google Translate).
For those unfamiliar, Chimaev has a history with Aliskerov, having defeated the Combat Sambo champion in 2019 with a first-round uppercut knockout. This coincidence added an intriguing layer to the evening’s events. Had Chimaev been able to compete, he would have been fighting for a chance at a 185-pound title shot.
Whittaker’s decisive victory, however, has reshuffled the Middleweight division’s dynamics. Whittaker is now in talks to be the backup for the UFC 305 title fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya. With Whittaker chasing the title, there’s little incentive for him to pursue a fight with Chimaev, especially after preparing for Chimaev only to have the fight fall through at the last moment.
This situation leaves Chimaev’s standing in the Middleweight title hunt uncertain. While his illness prevented him from potentially securing a better position with a victory, it has also delayed his progress. The exact timeline for Chimaev’s return remains unclear, and it’s uncertain who he will face upon his comeback. What is clear is that the missed opportunity has cost Chimaev significant ground in his quest for the title.
The implications of Whittaker’s win extend beyond just the title picture. Chimaev’s absence from such a high-profile fight due to illness has raised questions about his reliability and health moving forward. UFC President Dana White has previously expressed concerns about Chimaev’s recurring health issues, stating, “Every time he gets close, he gets really sick.” Without a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, the UFC faces challenges in positioning Chimaev as a reliable headliner for major events.
Chimaev’s message of congratulations to Whittaker and encouragement to Aliskerov reflects his resilient spirit and determination to return stronger. His journey back to the octagon will be closely watched by fans and analysts, eager to see if he can overcome his health challenges and reestablish himself as a top contender in the Middleweight division.
As the UFC continues to adapt its plans and Chimaev works towards recovery, the Middleweight division remains as dynamic and unpredictable as ever. The next steps for Chimaev will be critical in determining his future in the sport and his potential to finally secure a title shot.
