Chimaev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Khamzat Chimaev is willing to take a break from his career if he doesn't have a fight lined up in the coming months. Without a fight scheduled since losing his middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg) to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in May, the Chechen Wolf even challenged the division's top names for a fight sometime in 2026. However, to date, the fighter remains without an official commitment.
In a statement to Adam Zubayraev, Chimaev said he may temporarily suspend his career if he doesn't have a fight scheduled for October or December. The fighter explained that he intends to use the period to treat a series of injuries he has been facing.
“If nothing happens in October or December, I’m going to take a short break. I have many injuries that I need to treat,” said Khamzat Chimaev .
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In addition to physical problems, the Chechen man revealed that he faces other health-related challenges. Chimaev said that he often gets sick, only has part of his thyroid gland, and has undergone seven anesthesias and six surgeries throughout his life.
“I get sick frequently. I don’t have half of my thyroid gland. I’ve been anesthetized seven times and had six surgeries, yet I still have to live my life,” the Chechen wolf concluded.
Caio Borralho is on a collision course with Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC.
After losing to Nassourdine Imavov , Caio Borralho has bounced back and can now take an important step towards the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg). The Brazilian returned to the win column by defeating Reinier de Ridder at UFC 326 in April 2026, and has reached a verbal agreement to face Khamzat Chimaev , former champion of the category.
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