Khamzat Chimaev clears the air on rumored US visa issues, says he was asked "to wait and fight in Arab countries for now"
Khamzat Chimaev recently clarified his absence from competing in the United States. The Russia-born fighter was last seen inside the octagon at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, taking home a majority decision win over Kamaru Usman.
Chimaev hasn't competed in the United States since the first round submission win over Kevin Holland at UFC 279 back in September 2022. Meanwhile, 'Borz' has surged into the limelight as a prominent star in the Middle Eastern region. The UFC seems keen on leveraging the popularity by booking him to fight on marquee cards during their travel events in the region.
The 30-year-old, however, was forced to pull out of his scheduled contest against Robert Whittaker in UFC Saudi Arabia due to an illness. The uncharacteristic inactivity on Chimaev's part has led fans to speculate that the undefeated fighter can't fight in the United States due to visa issues.
Chimaev straightened out the rumors in an interview with Aslanbek Badaev, stating:
"They got me the visa when they wanted it. Everyone says I was denied a visa. So far we have not applied for a visa. I was told to wait and fight in Arab countries for now. And I’m waiting and as everyone remembers, recently at UFC 300 I was offered a fight to perform in Las Vegas. The main event of the evening was against Leon Edwards. Then they could get me a visa so I could fight there. When needed, business is working one might say."
Check out Chimaev's comments below:
Khamzat Chimaev claims fans won't be happy with the Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad clash
UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards is set to take on No.2-ranked welterweight challenger Belal Muhammad in a rematch at UFC 304 on July 27, 2024, at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England.
This fight will mark Edwards' third attempt to defend the 170-pound strap against Muhammad, who's on a 10-fight undefeated run. While Muhammad has embodied a dominant fighter in his recent outings, fans have exhibited a lukewarm reaction towards his fights due to decision-heavy victories.
'Remember the Name' has lodged four decision wins in five outings, while Edwards is tied for the fourth most decision wins in UFC welterweight division history (10).
Speaking about the upcoming clash in an interview with Aslanbek Badaev, Khamzat Chimaev stated:
"Of course, it's a boring fight. Both guys don't have trash talk and there are no finishes. The only finish I remember is when [Leon] knocked out Usman... One is working for points, the other is also trying to work for points. The fans won't be happy about it."
Check out Chimaev's comments below: