“Not fighting in Ramadan…” Despite strong rumors, Khamzat Chimaev refuses to fight at UFC 300

Undefeated Khamzat Chimaev reveals he will not fight in the much anticipated UFC 300 fight card.

“Not fighting in Ramadan…” Despite strong rumors, Khamzat Chimaev refuses to fight at UFC 300

Khamzat Chimaev (Via UFC)

Everybody remains excited for UFC undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev. Some rumors suggested that he would fight at UFC 300. However, Chimaev has refused to fight on the much anticipated UFC 300 fight card. Here is what happened:

Khamzat Chimaev said he would not fight in the UFC 300 main event because of Ramadan. He clarified this himself, debunking rumors of his title fight against Leon Edwards. Speaking to MMA Uncensored, Chimaev said: 

I will fight everybody. Leon [Edwards], [Dricus] du Plessis, anyone, but not [during] Ramadan. I think Ramadan [is during] UFC 300. Maybe somebody in Saudi Arabia. I want to fight there. Not fighting in Ramadan anymore.
Khamzat Chimaev via MMA Uncensored
YouTube video

Chimaev expressed his willingness to fight but said he would not compete during April’s UFC 300 because of his religious obligations. Ramadan ends during UFC 300 fight week. Chimaev said that competing at UFC 300 would mean training throughout Ramadan, a month dedicated to prayer and fasting.

FS Video

CEO Dana White and UFC matchmakers have faced difficulties finalizing the main event. Dana has aimed to announce the main event soon, possibly after UFC 298. He has ruled out Conor McGregor as the potential headliner. Meanwhile, heavyweight champion Jon Jones has said he was unfit to compete. Reportedly, two of the event’s matchups are still undecided.

Fans react to Khamzat Chimaev refusing to fight at UFC 300

The news of Khamzat Chimaev refusing to fight at UFC 300 because of Ramadan caught the attention of fans on social media. They went to the comment section to share their reactions to the news.

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Leon Edwards a possible headliner for UFC 300
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Leon Edwards no longer a possible headliner for UFC 300 (via Imago)

Here are some of the reactions from X:

https://twitter.com/TheSama69420/status/1757221994213314735
https://twitter.com/DanetheMange/status/1757203231120241119
https://twitter.com/fatone9000/status/1757204864902332773
https://twitter.com/NeoNnacl/status/1757302308583731515

Fans were definitely disappointed to know that Khamzat Chimaev refused to fight at UFC 300. Many expressed their disappointment and criticized Chimaev for choosing his fights. One user wrote that a champion who only fights once a year and cannot fight outside of UAE or Saudi Arabia is “poison” to the division. Khamzat Chimaev is an undefeated UFC contender with 13 back-to-back wins. It will be interesting to see who Chimaev fights next or if he changes his mind about UFC 300.

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