K. Chimaev announces retirement from MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
the passage of Khamzat Shimaev by the UFC may have ended abruptly. The Sweden-based Chechen, sporting sensation in 2020, surprised by announcing his retirement from the sport. The fighter has been suffering from complications from Covid-19 and was transferred to the USA.
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Through a post on Instagram, Chimaev regretted not winning the UFC belt, but thanked the company, the All Stars team and confirmed that he is hanging up his gloves.
“I want to say thank you very much to everyone for supporting me on my journey in this sport. I think, for me, it's over. Yes, I know I didn't win the belt, but that's not the biggest victory in life. This decision may make you sad, but my heart and my body spoke for me. I want to thank my All Stars team and say thank you very much to the UFC”, wrote the fighter.
History
With a perfect record of nine wins in nine fights, Chimaev arrived in the UFC in the first season of 'Ilha da Luta', in Abu Dhabi, in July 2020. The Chechen submitted John Phillips in 72 seconds and, just 10 days later , stared rhys mckee, knocking out the Northern Irishman in just over three minutes. Back in the Octagon in September, Chimaev was unaware of Gerald meerschaert and won by knockout in just 17 seconds. The rapid rise qualified the fighter to face Leon edwards, number three in the welterweight rankings (up to 77.1 kg.), but the duel ended up being canceled on two occasions due to the Chechen's complications with Covid.
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