UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev recently suffered a torn ligament in his right hand, adding a frustrating setback to his promising career. The injury occurred during his victorious fight against Kamaru Usman in Abu Dhabi. Despite the setback, Chimaev managed to secure a majority decision victory over Usman. However, the injury clearly affected his performance throughout the fight, limiting his offensive capabilities.
Originally slated to face Paulo Costa, Chimaev found himself pitted against former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman due to Costa’s injury. Usman stepped in on short notice, providing Chimaev with a challenging opponent. Despite the change, Chimaev was confident heading into the fight. However, the injury sustained during the bout altered the course of the fight and potentially impacted his overall strategy.
Chimaev’s manager, Majdi Shammas, confirmed that the fighter did not break his hand but suffered a torn ligament instead. While this news removes the need for surgery, Chimaev will have to wear a brace for the next four weeks. Following this period, the injury will be reassessed to determine the next steps in his recovery. It remains uncertain whether Chimaev will be fully fit to compete in the near future.
Prior to the fight, UFC president Dana White had announced that the winner of the Chimaev-Usman bout would be next in line for a title shot against newly crowned champion Sean Strickland. Strickland recently shocked the world with an upset decision victory over Israel Adesanya. However, there is skepticism from Strickland regarding Chimaev’s worthiness as a title contender. Despite Strickland’s doubts, the UFC still seems inclined to book the fight, suggesting that Chimaev’s hand injury will not be a hindrance.
Strickland has been vocal about his doubts regarding Chimaev’s deservingness of a title shot. With just one win in the middleweight division over the past three years, Chimaev’s claim to a title opportunity has faced skepticism from his fellow fighters. Strickland expressed his frustration, acknowledging the popularity Chimaev brings but highlighting that popularity alone should not guarantee a title shot. Despite the criticisms, the UFC organization appears keen on booking the Chimaev-Strickland fight.
Since joining the UFC in 2020, Khamzat Chimaev has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the middleweight division. His dominant performances and impressive win streak have garnered attention and raised expectations. Chimaev’s potential was further recognized when he signed a new, exclusive long-term deal with the UFC just before his fight against Usman.
Khamzat Chimaev’s recent hand injury poses a significant setback in his journey towards a title shot. Nonetheless, the UFC appears committed to booking the potential Chimaev-Strickland fight. Chimaev’s road to recovery and rehabilitation will be crucial in determining his future in the division. As he navigates through this injury, it remains to be seen whether Chimaev can overcome this setback and emerge as the top contender in the middleweight division.
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