Khamzat Chimaev clears the air on his USA visa issues ahead of UFC 308: "A lot of sh*t things happen in my life"
Khamzat Chimaev has not competed since last October when he defeated Kamaru Usman via majority decision at UFC 294. While 'Borz' was booked to face Robert Whittaker at UFC on ABC 6 in June, he was forced to withdraw from the bout due to an illness. The pair have been rebooked to clash at UFC 308 this weekend.
As fans noticed that each of the cards was outside of the United States, rumors began to circulate that Chimaev may not be allowed to enter the country. He recently shut down those reports and shared the true reason for his inactivity, which has lasted more than a full year.
Speaking to Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports, the No.13-ranked middleweight stated:
"I don't think so. People say a lot of different s**t things. I've been in the U.S. and can come to the U.S., but a lot of s**t things happened in my life. Being sick, surgeries, so that's why I've [not] been fighting like I did before all the time. Abu Dhabi being close to me, I want to head there, just jump in and fight here."
Chimaev continued:
"I've been in England, I've been in U.K., U.S. I'm going to go to Australia soon, as well, in December. I can be anywhere so I don't know who has a problem with me. The people say a lot of different things so I don't know."
Check out Khamzat Chimaev's comments below (5:42):
Chimaev last competed in the United States in September 2022 when he defeated Kevin Holland via first-round submission at UFC 279.
Khamzat Chimaev reveals condition for him to return to welterweight
Khamzat Chimaev left the welterweight division after UFC 279 as he missed weight by seven and a half pounds. He recently revealed the condition for him to move back to the weight class.
Speaking to Kevin Iole, Chimaev was asked if he would return to the division. He said:
"If they give [me a fight] for the title, yes. Why not? I mean, I beat everyone there so just give me the title [shot] then I'll go down there."
Check out Khamzat Chimaev's comments below (4:13):
Chimaev added that the UFC's plans are constantly changing so he is unsure if he will get an immediate title shot in the division. The 30-year-old noted that he plans to become the first three-division champion in promotional history.
'Borz' will look to take the first step towards accomplishing that goal when he faces Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 this weekend.