Home

UFC

Khamzat Chimaev Rumored to Be COVID-19 Positive- UFC Fight with Leon Edwards Not Canceled Yet

Published 11/29/2020, 9:24 PM EST

Follow Us

via Getty

UFC rising star Khamzat Chimaev has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 per sources close to the Swedish-Russian fighter. ‘Borz’ is to be in the main event match-up against Leon Edwards scheduled for December 19, 2020. Sources close to Khamzat Chimaev have reported that he came down with a fever and followed things up with a PCR test to determine COVID-19’s presence. The news came forth from a report by Kimura Crew.

Despite the recent news, further sources have projected that Khamzat Chimaev might be looking to maintain his December 19 date. In theory, Chimaev could make the date for the main event booking, as it is over two weeks away. However, the UFC will surely insist that he tests negative at least a week out from the fight.

A caveat comes from ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, who gave an update on Leon Edwards’ stance on the situation.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Khamzat Chimaev vs Leon Edwards- Left to chance

Fans immediately began to look towards news of the bout given that UFC Vegas 17 on December 19 is one of the most hyped cards. Chiefly, MMA Junkie’s John Morgan came out and mentioned that ‘Borz’ was “good to go”. However, it’s worthwhile to note that Chimaev’s team didn’t outright come and deny the report of a positive COVID-19 test.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Furthermore, the UFC social media manager for Adjarasport took to Twitter and provided an update on the matter. He revealed that newcomer Guram Kutateladze has disputed the fact that Khamzat Chimaev tested COVID-19 positive. Kutateladze explained that he was currently training with Chimaev in Las Vegas.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The aforementioned narrative continues to take many winding turns, and it seems as though a new angle continues to emerge. The UFC has kept mum on the topic and there’s no further clarity on whether the main event fight is on. The match-up is a huge opportunity for the 9-0 fighter to break his way into the company’s top ranks.

Khamzat Chimaev has had one of the most successful years in the UFC’s recent history, and he’ll look to cap it off with a win. ‘Rocky’ Edwards is no slouch and is knocking on the door of a title shot with an 8-fight win streak. His last loss came to the undisputed champion Kamaru Usman, and he’s looked to be in great shape since.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Darryl Pinto

2,138Articles

One take at a time

Darryl Pinto is a senior MMA writer at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Mass Media (with a specialization in Journalism) out of Xavier’s College and has a year's experience in his current role. Darryl specializes in predictions, reporting, and covering UFC events live.
Show More>