The stage is set for one of the biggest middleweight fights in recent memory. Khamzat Chimaev will face defending champion Dricus Du Plessis in the main event of UFC 319 on August 16 at Chicago’s United Center, marking the promotion’s first return to the city since 2019.

Both fighters are at the top of their divisions, with Chimaev’s undefeated streak and Du Plessis’ seven-year unbeaten streak making this a fight that might define the division for years to come. But while the focus should be on the fight itself, whispers about Khamzat Chimaev’s future have stirred an entirely different storyline.

Khamzat Chimaev may retire if he wins the title at UFC 319, claims fellow fighter

This summer, the UFC has already seen one champion retire (although Jon Jones decided to come back for a fight at the White House); however, Caio Borralho believes another will follow. During a segment on MMA Today, ‘The Natural’ revealed that he has heard “little talks” and “whispers” that Khamzat Chimaev may retire if he dethrones Du Plessis.

“He has a lot of money already. He’s good with money… Why not retire? I would do the same,” Borralho said. While ‘The Natural’ said he couldn’t name the source and wasn’t sure it would happen, he made it clear that he hopes ‘Borz’ sticks around, particularly for a potential matchup with him.

The Brazilian views himself as a cerebral fighter who adapts on the fly and believes he has the style to beat Chimaev; thus, the prospect of the undefeated phenom quitting the sport is a depressing thought. It wouldn’t be the first time Chimaev has teased retirement. He briefly declared in early 2021 that he was done fighting after dealing with long-term COVID-19 complications.

However, that announcement did not stick, and he returned to the Octagon to continue his unbeaten run. But now, with the stakes at UFC 319 higher than ever, the possibility of him leaving at the peak has sparked speculation among fans and other competitors. So, is he actually retiring?

Khamzat Chimaev clears retirement rumors

Despite all the retirement rumors, Khamzat Chimaev isn’t entertaining the idea. The 31-year-old immediately dismissed the notion, stating that his goals extend far beyond a single middleweight title. “I need money, bro. This is not enough, just to go for the one title,” Chimaev told ESPN MMA.

He further revealed that for him, just aiming for one title is unacceptable. “Hopefully, if I don’t get injured or some stuff, gonna defend the belt or fight for other belt in Abu Dhabi as well.” For him, the goal is bigger: to become a multi-division champion, possibly at welterweight and light heavyweight, in addition to the middleweight crown.

Those plans come with a clear roadmap. ‘Borz’ claims he has already discussed with his new coach the possibility of dropping back down to 170 lbs to challenge whoever owns the title, possibly “that Australian guy,” in reference to current champ Jack Della Maddalena. Beyond that, he’s looking at light heavyweight, where Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira are vying for the top spot.

Khamzat Chimaev prefers the possibility of winning three belts, which has never been done before in UFC history, to retiring after a single victory. Of course, it all depends on the outcome in Chicago. Dricus Du Plessis has not lost in nearly seven years, and he has defeated two former champions in his previous two fights. For the time being, Chimaev’s primary focus is on solving the ‘Stillknocks’ puzzle, and any talk of retirement, real or rumored, will be put on hold until UFC 319.