Ramzan Kadyrov, Head of the Chechen Republic and a former member of the Chechen independence movement has said that he convinced UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev to not retire from the sport of Mixed Martial Arts.
Khamzat Chimaev was scheduled to fight top welterweight contender Leon Edwards on December 19, but that fight got pushed back after the Briton contracted Covid-19.
The fight was then rescheduled for Jan 17 at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. That fight was cancelled as this time around it was Khamzat Chimaev who contracted Covid-19. The fight with Leon Edwards was again rescheduled for March 14. This time around, Khamzat Chimaev announced that he won’t be competing against Leon Edwards following the lingering effects of Covid-19. Following this, Leon Edwards was booked against Belal Muhammad.
Khamzat Chimaev took to social media to announce his retirement. He also uploaded a pic of blood in his basin, that may or may not be related to the lingering effects of Covid-19.
“I want to say thank you all so much for supporting me in my journey in this sport. I think I’m done, yes I know I didn’t take the belt but it’s not the most important victory in this life. It may upset you but my heart and body tell me everything. I want to say a big thank you to my team @allstargymsweden. I want to say a big thank you to @ufc,” Chimaev wrote on Instagram (via google translate).
Ramzan Kadyrov called Khamzat Chimaev
Following the retirement announcement, Ramzan Kadyrov took to social media and posted about that he had talked to Khamzat Chimaev and that he had convinced him that the fighter won’t retire.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CL6LqoxsUM-/
“Friends, you’ve probably already heard the news about Khamzat Chimaev, who announced his departure from the UFC in his account,” Kadyrov wrote. “Not believing my eyes, I called and talked to Chimaev.
“Khamzat said that the recovery from illness is slow, and, trying to be honest and frank with the fans, he decided not to give them hope,” he continued. “I told him that ALL the Chechen people were upset by this news. I reminded Chimaev that all our young people, whom he inspires, are pinning great hopes on his victory, but what can I say — MILLIONS OF FANS IN RUSSIA AND THE WORLD! And if fans need to wait for his return, then we will all look forward to his entry into the Octagon with trepidation and patience.
“During our conversation, Chimaev realized how important his career is for every Chechen and promised to make every effort to recover as soon as possible,” Ramzan Kadyrov continued. “In the near future, he will fly to the Republic, where he will complete a rehabilitation course, hold a training camp and start training. And this means that Khamzat does not leave, HE REMAINS AND WILL BEAT TO THE END!
“I know for sure that Khamzat will take the UFC belt and prove that he is the best of the best. And I urge the fans to make a dua, and ask the Almighty for health and a speedy recovery for our beloved athlete, a Muslim and a real konakh Khamzat Chimaev!”
How important of a role do you think Ramzan Kadyrov have in convincing Khamzat Chimaev to not retire? Let us know in the comment section below.
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