“My brother said not in Ramadan,” Khamzat Chimaev CONFIRMS receiving title shot against Leon Edwards at UFC 300; now eyes summer return

Rumors circulating about Khamzat Chimaev's potential return at UFC 300 against Leon Edwards had some truth behind them.

“My brother said not in Ramadan,” Khamzat Chimaev CONFIRMS receiving title shot against Leon Edwards at UFC 300; now eyes summer return

Khamzat Chimaev's return at UFC 300 vs Leon Edwards was almost a done deal (via Imago)

UFC 300 is a big deal for the organization. The UFC considered many names to headline the historic event. The UFC eventually settled on Jamahal Hill vs. Alex Pereira to headline the event. Khamzat Chimaev recently confirmed that he was offered a title shot against Leon Edwards at UFC 300.

Chimaev turned down the UFC 300 April bout due to fasting in Ramadan. He now targets a summer return against any opponent the promotion offers him. He was asked about rumors of an Edwards title fight at UFC 300. This is what Khamzat Chimaev replied:

It wasn’t 100 percent sure, but we had talked, my manager said, ‘Maybe, maybe.' My brother said to me, ‘Not in Ramadan,’ so after Ramadan, we take some time in camp and then we fight anyone.
Khamzat Chimaev via FCRMMA
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Chimaev last fought at UFC 294 and defeated Kamaru Usman via decision. The bout took place at 185 pounds after original Chimaev opponent Paulo Costa withdrew. Usman accepted the fight on just ten days’ notice.

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So Chimaev was indeed offered a shot at 170-pound gold. However, he could not prepare properly during the holy month of Ramadan. A clash with Leon Edwards could still happen later in 2024 if both men remain healthy and interested. Chimaev has emerged as one of the most popular and intriguing fighters on the entire UFC roster. His undefeated record and grappling prowess have fans salivating over potential fights with welterweight and middleweight elites.

Khamzat Chimaev remains hopeful to fight in the Saudi Arabia card

Khamzat Chimaev has emerged as one of the most popular fighters on the roster with his entertaining trash talk and undefeated record. Chimaev set his sights on a summer return, preferably on the July event in Saudi Arabia.

Khmazat Chimaev hopes to fight in Saudi Arabia
Khmazat Chimaev hopes to fight in Saudi Arabia (via EuroSport)

Chimaev stated in a recent interview that he would want to fight in the Saudi Arabian card. He also stated that he didn’t have an opponent who wanted to fight him in the Kingdom. This is what he said:

In the summer, I think, in the summer we’ll be back. I want to fight in Saudi Arabia, but I don’t think anyone wants to fight me there. So we’ll see what’s going to happen.

Khamzat Chimaev via FCRMMA

Competing in Saudi Arabia remained high on Chimaev’s wishlist. Saudi Arabia will host its first UFC event in July of this year. Chimaev boasts star power in the region, and he would likely receive an enthusiastic reception from local fans.

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