Khamzat Chimaev was supposed to return to the Octagon and headline the UFC Saudi Arabia card against Robert Whittaker. Regardless, due to his long ongoing predicaments, he had to withdraw. Chimaev lost his battle for the number one contender spot and now Whittaker has it. After all of the fiasco, Dana White still believes that Chimaev has what it takes and is willing to give him a chance but when?

The UFC supremo has an ace up its sleeve and it’s the Abu Dhabi card. White wants him at Abu Dhabi but what about Chimaev? Well, his team has been really active on social media these days and according to them, they will set a date sooner. Let’s have a look at what his team had to say about his return.

Khamzat Chimaev’s return might align with Dana White’s date for him

During the post-fight press conference of UFC Saud Arabia, Dana White was asked a major question. What would be Khamzat Chimaev’s fate after he pulled out of the Arabia event? White was a bit off after the reporter asked him this question, however, he answered it regardless. “No clue. You know, we will see what happens. Obviously, we will try to move him over to Abu Dhabi, see if he can make that fight,” said Dana White.

The CEO emphasized that they would like to have Chimaev at the UAE event but it depends upon his health and it seems like Chimaev is also looking to clash at Abhi Dhabi as well. ‘Borz’s team gave the MMA community the idea that he will most probably be back during October. “Khamzat can fight at the tournament in Abu Dhabi in October. But everything will depend on his condition,” said his team via TASS.

The MMA community has yet to have any definitive answer about what happened to Chimaev as neither he nor his team are revealing the severity of his illness. However, according to Alexander Gustafsson, Chimaev stays ill when fights come up as he trains beyond the general capacity of his physique.

“The guy gets ill. There is something with his body that reacts to hard training because he is the hardest worker in the room. He very easily catches a cold,” said Gustafsson. Well, his health has never stopped him from challenging his opponents, and his latest escapade, Chimaev has called out Robert Whittaker after his victory against Ikram Aliskerov.

Robert Whittaker responds to Chimaev’s challenge

Robert Whittaker earned a massive victory at UFC Saudi Arabia as he defeated Ikram Aliskerov in the very first round by way of a knockout. The victory pushed him closer to the ‘185’ lbs title. As soon as Chimaev witnessed the conclusion of the match, he took to his social media handle to challenge Whittaker, “Congratulations [Robert Whittaker], we are not done. I wish you a speedy recovery [Ikram Aliskerov], keep your head up my brother.”

His challenge appears to have found its way to Whittaker. After the victory, the reporters asked Whittaker about Chimaev’s challenge to which he said, “Don’t jump me as soon as I finish a fight. I don’t want people to do that — I say that, but I probably did that once or twice as well. Let me have this one for a little bit, all right? We can settle the score another day.”

A clash between the giants would be a dream come true for many fans, however, Whittaker would like to fight for the title now instead of taking any chances. Regardless, what’s your take on the situation? Who do you think would be Khamzat Chimaev’s next opponent? State your thoughts in the comments below.