COVID-19 has really taken a toll on the entire UFC industry and other combat sports. Many fighters have tested positive for the virus, but have recovered and returned to the cage. However, UFC prospect, Khamzat Chimaev hasn’t been so lucky as coronavirus-related after-effects continue to plague him.
After seeing his fight against Leon Edwards getting canceled twice, due to an issue from his end, the UFC has stepped in to help their fighter.
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According to Okamoto, the UFC has moved ‘Borz’ to Las Vegas for further treatment and help. Okamoto’s tweet mentioned it was as per Borz’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz.
The tweet even mentioned Ali Abdelaziz expressing his desire to see ‘Borz’ back by June. However, he added that his fighter’s long-term health was the top priority.
The UFC is flying Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) into Las Vegas today, per his manager Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00). He'll receive medical care in the U.S. for lingering effects of Covid. Abdelaziz said he hopes Khamzat can fight by June, but longterm health is top priority.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) February 17, 2021
UFC has been closely monitoring the situation with the coronavirus and its potential impact on the health and safety of UFC athletes and staff. That’s one reason they adapted to these uncommon circumstances and still go on with their regular events.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 24: Khamzat Chimaev of Czechia poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night weigh-in inside Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 24, 2020, in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The treatment given to ‘Borz’ shows how much the UFC cares about its talent. Furthermore, it shows how much they want to see the European fighter return to competition at the top.
MMA fans will follow his recovery eagerly, as they will wait for news of his return and his next opponent.
What’s next for Khamzat Chimaev after his special treatment?
MMA enthusiasts expected big things from Chimaev following his impressive UFC debut and equally impressive turn around to fight in another division on Fight Island. He scored victories over John Philips and Rhys McKee before making his US debut with a 17-second KO over Gerald Meerschaert.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 24: (L-R) Opponents Khamzat Chimaev of Czechia and Rhys McKee of Northern Ireland face off during the UFC Fight Night weigh-in inside Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 24, 2020 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
His bout against Leon Edwards is off for now, and the UFC will have to find him a new opponent when he does return. There’s no saying who it could be, but it may not a top-ranked contender.
After a tough few months, ‘Borz’ may not be focused on any opponent. Instead, his sole focus would be on his recovery and return.
Chimaev is looking forward to being back in the Octagon by June by when he should mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared to continue his winning streak.
What do you make of the UFC’s decision to help Khamzat Chimaev?
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