UFC fans were disappointed when it was announced that Khamzat Chimaev would be forced out of his scheduled UFC on ABC 6 main event bout against former champion Robert Whittaker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on June 22.
Dana White revealed Chimaev was "violently ill," which forced him out of the bout.
.@robwhittakermma vs Aliskerov LIVE and FREE on @ABCNetwork Saturday June 22nd @Turki_alalshikh #UFCSaudiArabia @RiyadhSeason #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/ERPDi5XEqT
— danawhite (@danawhite) June 13, 2024
Now, Chimaev's manager, Majdi Shammas, has taken to social media to discuss the "persistent illness" that forced the fight to be canceled.
"The persistent illness that Khamzat has been battling for major parts of training camp could not be cured in time. He has been in and out of hospitals several times. The condition has been kept within the team, since everyone has been absolutely committed to finding a solution. Although all available options have been thoroughly considered, it has now come to a point where the team has mutually agreed that it is not possible to carry on like this. Stepping into the cage not properly prepared against such a formidable opponent as Robert is unfortunately impossible," he wrote on Instagram.
"This is a devastating turn of events for Khamzat, his coaches, training partners and other members of the team. Headlining UFC’s first ever visit to Saudi Arabia was a great honor and something that was very much looked forward to. Although the cause is far beyond anyone’s control, a sincere apology is extended to the UFC."
UFC lightweight Guram Kutateladze, Chimaev's training partner, shared a photo on Instagram saying Chimaev was hospitalized.
With Chimaev out, Ikram Aliskerov will step in to face Whittaker.
It is just the latest setback for Chimaev, who has not fought since defeating former champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 in October 2023.