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Khamzat Chimaev has given an ultimatum to the UFC.
‘Borz’ is one of the most followed fighters in the sport and often builds hype around cards if he is featured. Having lost his championship last time out, the Russian is desperate to return to the title picture soon, with his sights firmly set on another crack at the middleweight throne. But if he doesn’t fight by the end of the year, there could be a long wait for his return.
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According to Khamzat Chimaev, he has been pushing to get back into the octagon, unsuccessfully. Chimaev has asked the UFC to book him for a fight between October and December, but if nothing happens, he will take a break from competing.
“As for the fight, I’m trying to get one,” Chimaev said. “I was trying to get one in October, and now I’m trying for December. If nothing happens in October or December, I think I’ll take a little break.”
If no fight materializes in time, fans may have to wait to see Chimaev get back into the octagon. Alongside the wait time for injuries and potential future surgeries, the former UFC champion made a damning revelation.
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One major problem that has threatened to end his career is Chimaev’s health struggles. The thyroid gland controls the body’s energy levels, temperature regulation, and metabolism, but Chimaev only has half of his. While fans thought the worst was behind him, the 31-year-old has revealed that he still suffers from illnesses due to his half-missing gland, which continues to be a challenge for his career and life away from the octagon.
“I have a lot of injuries. I need to get them treated,” Chimaev added. “I’ve been putting off my surgeries, putting them off, putting them off. And I go into every fight with some kind of problem. I don’t really like talking about my problems or injuries.”
“People already know that I get sick often. That’s just how it is with me. I don’t have half of my thyroid gland. I’ve had seven times under anesthesia, six surgeries, and a lot of injuries… The Almighty has ordained this for me. I still have to live my life.”
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This story was originally published September 13, 2026 at 8:45 AM.