Khamzat Chimaev Reveals Health Issues as UFC Return Remains Uncertain

Khamzat Chimaev has revealed that he is dealing with several ongoing health and injury issues as he considers his next UFC appearance. The former middleweight champion said he has repeatedly postponed surgeries and admitted that he enters fights while dealing with physical problems.

Chimaev made the comments while speaking with Adam Zubayraev, explaining that his health has been a recurring challenge throughout his fighting career. He also disclosed that he has undergone six surgeries and received anesthesia seven times, while continuing to deal with injuries.

The revelation comes as Chimaev attempts to determine when he can return to competition. He had been targeting an October fight but is now also considering December. If neither opportunity becomes possible, the fighter said he could take time away from competition to address his injuries.

Chimaev Says He Has Delayed Surgeries

Chimaev explained that he has repeatedly put off medical procedures because of his commitment to fighting. According to the fighter, competing despite physical problems has become a familiar part of his career.

He acknowledged that he does not particularly enjoy discussing his health, but said that people are already aware that he frequently deals with health problems.

Chimaev also disclosed that he does not have half of his thyroid gland, adding another significant detail to his medical history.

He further stated that he has undergone six surgeries and seven instances of anesthesia while also dealing with numerous injuries. These are Chimaev’s own descriptions of his medical history and should not be interpreted as a diagnosis beyond what he personally disclosed.

Why Chimaev Is Considering Time Away

The possibility of a break is directly connected to Chimaev’s desire to finally address the problems he has been carrying.

Rather than continuing to postpone treatment indefinitely, the former champion indicated that he may prioritize recovery if he cannot secure a fight before the end of 2026.

Chimaev said he had initially tried to arrange a fight for October and is now also looking toward December. If neither month produces a suitable opportunity, he expects that taking some time off and undergoing treatment could become the preferred option.

That would represent a practical decision for a fighter who has repeatedly spoken about wanting to compete as soon as possible. Continuing to fight while dealing with unresolved injuries could make preparation more difficult, while time away could allow him to focus on rehabilitation.

Chimaev Still Wants to Return Quickly

Despite discussing a potential break, Chimaev made it clear that his preference remains to compete as soon as possible.

The fighter has been pushing for another opportunity at the top of the UFC middleweight division and does not appear ready to step away permanently. His comments instead suggest that he is trying to balance his competitive ambitions with the need to address his health.

October was initially his preferred target, but December has now become another possible window. The final decision will depend on his physical condition and whether the UFC can arrange an appropriate matchup.

For Chimaev, the timing is particularly important because the middleweight division continues to develop around the championship picture.

Sean Strickland Remains on Chimaev’s Mind

Chimaev has also been campaigning for a rematch with Sean Strickland after losing the middleweight title at UFC 328.

The former champion has repeatedly expressed interest in regaining the belt, making a rematch with Strickland an obvious target if circumstances allow.

However, Chimaev’s own comments suggest that the situation at the top of the division could change depending on injuries and the availability of other contenders.

He mentioned Caio Borralho and Dricus du Plessis while discussing potential opponents, saying he had been told that both fighters were dealing with injuries.

That uncertainty leaves Chimaev looking for another route back toward the championship.

Chimaev Says He Wants to Fight Everyone

Chimaev insisted that he is willing to face whichever opponent becomes available rather than waiting for one specific name.

His comments reflect the approach that has characterized much of his UFC career. Chimaev has consistently presented himself as a fighter who wants to compete frequently and test himself against the best available opponents.

He said he had called for a return in October and had contacted Hunter regarding a potential fight. However, the reported injuries affecting other contenders have complicated the process.

That could leave the UFC with several possible options, depending on which fighters are healthy and available.

Potential Opening in the Title Picture

Chimaev also raised an interesting possibility involving the current championship plans.

He suggested that if Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov are unable to compete in their scheduled middleweight title fight, he could potentially be ready to step into the situation.

That remains a hypothetical scenario rather than a confirmed UFC plan. Chimaev’s comments indicate his willingness to accept the opportunity if it becomes available, but there is no confirmation that the promotion intends to insert him into the title matchup.

Still, his willingness to remain ready could become relevant if the championship picture changes unexpectedly.

Health Could Determine Chimaev’s Next Move

The most important factor for Chimaev now appears to be his physical condition.

His desire to fight in October or December is clear, but the fighter has acknowledged that he needs medical treatment. If he cannot compete by the end of the year, he may finally take the break he has been considering.

That decision could have a significant effect on his return timetable. Surgery and rehabilitation can require different recovery periods depending on the procedure, meaning there is no reliable way to predict a comeback date without further medical information.

For that reason, Chimaev’s comments should be viewed primarily as an indication of his current plans rather than a confirmed schedule.

A Different Approach Could Benefit His Career

Taking time away from competition may be frustrating for Chimaev, particularly given his eagerness to return to the middleweight title picture. However, addressing longstanding injuries could potentially give him a better foundation for his next run.

A healthy training camp is important for any elite fighter. Consistent preparation allows an athlete to work on conditioning, tactics and technical improvements without repeatedly adjusting around physical limitations.

Chimaev’s admission that he has frequently competed while dealing with problems makes the decision particularly significant. If he eventually chooses treatment over another immediate fight, the break could become an important part of his long-term career planning.

The Former Champion Still Has Major Ambitions

Despite the health concerns, Chimaev’s comments show that his competitive ambitions remain strong.

He wants another fight, continues to discuss possible opponents and remains interested in the middleweight championship. His potential break is therefore not being presented as retirement.

Instead, Chimaev appears to be weighing two priorities: returning to competition quickly or finally dealing with the physical issues that have been repeatedly postponed.

The outcome could determine how quickly he is able to challenge the leading fighters in the division again.

What Could Happen Next?

The next step will depend on whether Chimaev can secure a suitable fight and how his body responds during preparation.

If an October opportunity becomes available and he is medically capable of competing, he could attempt to return sooner than expected. December remains another possibility if the October window does not work.

If neither opportunity materializes, Chimaev has indicated that surgery and recovery could take priority.

Meanwhile, the middleweight division will continue to move forward. The outcome of the Strickland-Imavov championship situation could also influence Chimaev’s options when he is ready to return.

Why the Revelation Matters

Chimaev’s comments provide important context for the uncertainty surrounding his next UFC appearance. His absence or delayed return would not necessarily be linked to a lack of motivation; instead, the fighter has openly acknowledged that he has several physical issues that need attention.

His willingness to fight through problems has helped create an image of toughness, but his latest comments suggest that he recognizes the importance of addressing those problems eventually.

For a former champion who wants to compete at the highest level, long-term health could ultimately be more important than rushing into another fight.

Final Verdict

Khamzat Chimaev is still targeting a UFC return, but his ongoing health issues could force him to take time away from competition. The former middleweight champion revealed that he has undergone six surgeries, received anesthesia seven times and continues to deal with injuries. He also disclosed that he does not have half of his thyroid gland.

Chimaev initially hoped to fight in October and is now considering December. If neither opportunity materializes, he plans to consider a break and focus on treatment.

His preferred target remains the top of the middleweight division, with Sean Strickland still on his radar. He has also indicated that he could be ready to step in if the planned Strickland-Imavov title fight falls apart, although that scenario is currently only hypothetical.

For now, Chimaev’s next fight remains uncertain. His desire to return is obvious, but his own comments suggest that addressing his longstanding health and injury concerns could ultimately determine when he steps back into the UFC Octagon.