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UFC Creates ‘Backup Plan’ as Khamzat Chimaev Weight ‘Miss’ a ‘Legitimate Concern’ Before UFC 279

Published 09/09/2022, 1:01 PM EDT

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via Imago

The much-anticipated UFC 279 PPV showdown between Nate Diaz and Swede phenom Khamzat Chimaev is just a day away. However, fight fans might be in for some disappointing news, as reports coming in from Las Vegas suggest that the main event might just crash.

Ever since the main event of UFC 279 was announced, some MMA experts have been pondering over a situation where Chimaev might not be able to make weight in time for the fight. And now, the dreaded thought might have become a reality.

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The pre-fight press conference that fans were really excited about was canceled at the last moment as a massive brawl broke out between Chimaev, Diaz, and Kevin Holland’s team. UFC President Dana White had to step in and apologize for the same. And now, as a gloomy cloud looms over the main event, it might suffer the same fate.

Khamzat Chimaev is allegedly facing issues in making weight

Renowned reporter Nolan King has shared a report suggesting that ‘Borz’ is having a hard time cutting weight and that the UFC has already prepared a contingency for it.

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The MMA journalist tweeted, “Khamzat Chimaev’s weight has been mentioned multiple times on the pre-fight weigh-in show. I’m told a backup plan was organized hours ago by the UFC. They’re anticipating a miss. So in case anyone is curious if there is legitimate concern, there is.”

Renowned UFC analyst Ariel Helwani also stated something along similar lines. Rumors on the internet suggest that Tony Ferguson might replace Chimaev against Diaz if the reports are true.

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We are in for a wild fight week if all this comes true. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below.

UPDATE: Tony Ferguson has replaced Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC 279 main event. The new main event for the PPV is a welterweight bout between ‘El Cucuy’ and Nate Diaz. 

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Written by:

Aashish Kumar

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Aashish Kumar is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. A graduate in Journalism & Mass Communication, this Brandon Moreno fan has interned at reputed media houses and gained valuable reporting experience. Building on that experience, Aashish will look to tap into his love for combat sports and let fans benefit from his passion and journalistic expertise.
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Edited by:

Reubyn Coutinho