"That's what messed him up" - When Islam Makhachev's coach predicted an alarming future for Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev was once seen as one of the UFC’s most dynamic and relentless competitors. However, several health issues have slowed his momentum over the past few years.
Islam Makhachev's coach, Javier Mendez, even issued a grim prediction for Chimaev's future, warning that his career could be in jeopardy if these persistent health problems continue to plague him.
Chimaev is preparing to square off against former champion Robert Whittaker in a five-round middleweight clash, serving as the co-main event of UFC 308. The pay-per-view event is scheduled for Oct. 26 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
'Borz' was supposed to headline UFC Saudi Arabia against Whittaker in June. However, just two weeks before the highly anticipated bout, the 30-year-old Chechen had to withdraw due to an undisclosed illness.
During an interview with Fightbook MMA in June, Mendez shared his thoughts on Chimaev's ongoing health struggles. The acclaimed MMA coach compared Chimaev's situation to that of Cain Velasquez and noted how the former UFC heavyweight champion's frequent injuries during training camps hindered him from reaching his full potential:
"If Khamzat Chimaev cannot get hold of his health issues, it would mean it would tarnish his great potential, but let’s see, I hope not; he’s so much fun to watch. Let’s hope he gets the help he needs, but if I’m not mistaken, he got COVID, and that’s what messed him up. There are a lot of people, not just him, who got COVID, and it messed them up pretty well, and they’re not the same."
'Borz' contracted COVID-19 ahead of his scheduled bout with Leon Edwards in December 2021. His condition worsened significantly when he disregarded medical advice and returned to training less than a month after testing positive.
As a result, Chimaev suffered from severe respiratory issues, coughing up blood, and even contemplated retiring from MMA due to the severity of his health struggles.
Khamzat Chimaev brings back first wrestling coach ahead of UFC 308 bout
During a recent appearance on Russian YouTuber Adam Zubayraev’s channel, Khamzat Chimaev opened up about his past training habits, admitting that he used to push himself to the point of exhaustion, which ultimately weakened his immune system and made him more susceptible to illness.
To address this, 'Borz' has reunited with his first wrestling coach, Salim Noutsalkhanov, who will oversee his UFC 308 fight camp and focus on helping him recover through training sessions. He said:
"Yes [I would train just to get exhausted], but then I ended up in the hospital like the last time when I was in the hospital three times in a row in the space of three weeks. My immune system went down, I got sick, and now I use a better approach."
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