Lingering symptoms of Covid-19 almost stopped Khamzat Chimaev from fighting, but doctors worried the UFC star actually had cancer.
Chimaev, who fights Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 tonight, made an instant impression after debuting in the UFC in 2020. He set records for the fastest wins and fastest three-fight winning streak in promotional history and announced himself as a top prospect.
The 27-year-old was set for a big step up in competition at the end of that year, being booked to fight top-ranked welterweight Leon Edwards. Chimaev pulled out of the fight three times due to Covid-19 issues and that was just the start of the Chechen's problems.
In a concerning post, Chimaev posted a picture of his coughed up blood on Instagram with the caption: “Thank you all so much for supporting me in my journey in this sport. I think I’m done.” His brother would later reveal the extent of his health problems in an interview with Smesh Bros.
“At the time he was in the [United] States because UFC told him to come over for treatment," his brother Artur said. "There wasn’t anyone with him there. So they told him that he’s got a suspicion for cancer and after that he still went on training and felt sick and coughed blood. So he made this post while dealing with that news. It was stressful."
“Ramzan Kadyrov told us to come to Chechnya for treatment and they got us a private jet back home. When we landed, the treatment staff was already waiting for us and they soon told us that there is no cancer, but some complications from Covid. They said he’s had pulmonary fibrosis and they treated it with inhalation therapy, it took two weeks to treat it.”
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Just a month after announcing his retirement from fighting, Chimaev announced he was "healthy and hungry" to get back into the octagon. Chechnya leader Kadyrov, who Chimaev is good friends with, seemingly pressured 'Borz' into changing his decision by stating all Chechens were upset by his retirement.
“Khamzat said that his recovery from the illness has been slow, and, in an attempt to be honest and frank with the fans, he decided not to give them hope. “I told him that all Chechens were upset by this news,” Kadyrov wrote.
“I reminded Chimaev that the youth, whom he inspires, are pinning their hopes and expectations on his success…and if fans need to wait for his return, then we will all look forward to his return to the octagon with trepidation and patience.”
