Khamzat Chimaev has provided fans with an update on his career and explained why he turned down a welterweight title fight against Leon Edwards at UFC 300.
Chimaev hasn’t fought since October when he beat Kamaru Usman by a majority decision in his return to the middleweight division. Since then, there hasn’t been much talk about when he would return, but recently, it was revealed he was offered a welterweight title shot against Leon Edwards at UFC 300.
However, according to Khamzat Chimaev, he says he didn’t have enough time to make 170lbs which forced him to turn it down.
“They wanted me to fight at (UFC) 300, but I said it’s too short time for (170 pounds). I need a bit of time. (The Edwards fight) wasn’t 100 percent sure, but my manager said maybe, maybe not. My brother said to me, ‘Not in Ramadan.’ After Ramadan, we’ll take some time, camp and then we’ll fight anyone,” Chimaev said to FCR MMA.
With Chimaev turning the fight down, the UFC ended up going to Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill as the main event of UFC 300 on April 13.
Khamzat Chimaev wants to return at UFC Saudi Arabia
With Khamzat Chimaev not fighting Leon Edwards at UFC 300, he says he wants to fight at UFC Saudi Arabia in June, likely at middleweight.
However, according to Chimaev, he does not have any fight offered, and he isn’t sure if any top-ranked opponent will go to Saudi Arabia to face him.
“In the summer, I think – in the summer, we’ll be back. I want to fight in Saudi Arabia, but I don’t think anybody wants to fight me there. We’ll see what’s going to happen, so (I’m) just waiting for something,” Chimaev added.
As of right now, Khamzat Chimaev is training and awaiting his next fight, which he is hoping will be announced soon.
