Khamzat Chimaev, the undefeated UFC middleweight contender, has been a dominant force in the octagon since his debut. However, recent comments from former UFC fighter Josh Thompson have cast doubt on whether Chimaev is still the same fighter since his battle with COVID-19.
Thompson, a former UFC lightweight, shared his thoughts on a podcast with renowned MMA referee “Big” John McCarthy. He acknowledged Chimaev’s impressive performance against former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 but raised concerns about his endurance and overall form. “He looked tired in the third round against Gilbert Burns and he made the weight for that, which might have been the weight cut,” Thompson said.
Khamzat Chimaev’s journey has been anything but smooth. The Chechen-born fighter has faced numerous health challenges, including multiple surgeries and fractures. In a candid interview, Chimaev revealed that he has undergone five to six surgeries and suffered seven to eight fractures. These health issues have often forced him to withdraw from scheduled fights at the last minute.
Is Khamzat Chimaev Back on Track?
Despite these setbacks, Khamzat Chimaev has managed to bounce back and continue his winning streak. His recent victory over Whittaker showcased his resilience and skill, but Thompson’s comments have sparked a debate among fans and analysts about Chimaev’s long-term prospects in the UFC.
As Chimaev continues to recover and regain his form, the MMA community will be closely watching his next moves. Will he be able to overcome his health challenges and reclaim his status as one of the most feared fighters in the middleweight division? Only time will tell.
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