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Khamzat Chimaev’s manager speaks out on fight cancellation

Posted on by angelo
Khamzat Chimaev’s manager speaks out on fight cancellation

UFC fans were disappointed when it was announced that Khamzat Chimaev would be forced out of his UFC on ABC 6 main event bout against former champion Robert Whittaker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on June 22.

Dana White revealed that Chimaev was “violently ill,” which forced him to leave the fight.

Today, Chimaev’s manager Majdi Shammas took to social media to discuss the “ongoing illness” that forced the cancellation of the fight.

“The persistent illness that Khamzat battled through much of the training camp could not be cured in time. He was hospitalized several times. The illness was kept within the team, because everyone was absolutely committed to finding a solution. Although all available options were carefully considered, we have now reached a point where the team has mutually agreed that it is not possible. continue like this Entering the cage without being properly prepared against an opponent as formidable as Robert is unfortunately impossible,” he wrote on Instagram.

“This is a devastating turn of events for Khamzat, his coaches, training partners and other team members. Headlining the UFC’s first-ever visit to Saudi Arabia was a great honor and something we looked forward to. Although the cause is far beyond anyone’s control, a sincere apology is offered to the UFC.

UFC lightweight Guram Kutateladze, Chimaev’s training partner, shared a photo on Instagram saying Chimaev had been hospitalized.

With Chimaev out, Ikram Aliskerov will step in to face Whittaker.

It’s just the latest setback for Chimaev, who hasn’t fought since his victory over former champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 in October 2023.