Yesterday Frontkick.online reported that Swedish UFC breakout star Khamzat Chimaev unfortunately has had to withdraw from his planned fight with Leon Edwards on January 20.
Frontkick can now confirm that Khamzat Chimaev withdrew from the fight due to complications from coronavirus, which MMAjunkie first reported earlier during the wednesday.
Frontkick reached out to Khamzat Chimaev’s manager Majdi Shammas, who explains that the swede has been suffering from problems with his lungs after getting the coronavirus.
“Khamzat has been suffering lung problems after getting COVID-19 and hasn’t been able to train as he should in several weeks. He has had to cancel a lot of training sessions when put under pressure,” Shammas tells Frontkick.
“We’re not ready to risk the kids life”
The manager says that the team tried everything they could to get Khamzat fit for the fight on January 20. Khamzat himself badly wanted to fight, but in the end, it became a matter of life and death.
“We really tried to hold out, hoping it would get better, but we finally realized that it would be impossible to fight January 20. It’s not just the fight, he has to cut weight as well. We’re not ready to risk the kids life for a fight – no matter how much he himself wants it,” the manager continues.
Hopes to rebook the fight
Khamzat has now been given some time off to visit his family in Russia. Shammas says that he hopes that the fight between the swede and Leon Edwards can be rebooked in the future.
“We respect that Leon still wants to fight on the event. Hopefully the fight can be rebooked in the future. Khamzat will have some time off now. He’s traveled to his homeland to visit his family, and will then come back here and try to begin another camp,” Shammas says.
Shammas adds that anyone who questions Khamzat’s willingness to fight is welcome to visit Allstars Training Center in Stockholm.
“If anyone has any doubts about Khamzat’s toughness, they’re welcome to visit the gym,” Shammas says.
Continue reading: Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson gives update on fighting future
