Reason for Khamzat Chimaev withdrawal explained
Khamzat Chimaev was scheduled to fight Leon Edwards in the main event of UFC on ESPN+ 41 on December 19, 2020,…
Khamzat Chimaev was scheduled to fight Leon Edwards in the main event of UFC on ESPN+ 41 on December 19, 2020, but on November 29, it was announced that Chimaev had tested positive for COVID-19, and the bout was in jeopardy. Then on December 1, Edwards too tested positive for COVID-19. and it was severe, with the Jamaica-born, Birmingham, England-based fighter reportedly losing twelve pounds. The fight was rescheduled to a UFC event on January 20.
Then it was announced that Chimaev had pulled out of the 1/20 show, but no reason was given. Now Chimaev’s manager explained the pullout.
“Khamzat had coronavirus and when he went back to gym, his lungs did not recover 100%,” tweeted ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. “He needs time for his lungs to recover, and right now it’s about taking that necessary time.”
Statement on Khamzhat Chimaev (@KChimaev), via his manager Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00). "Khamzat had coronavirus and when he went back to gym, his lungs did not recover 100%. He needs time for his lungs to recover, and right now it's about taking that necessary time."
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) December 30, 2020
It is not known if the fight will again be rescheduled, but Edwards still wants to fight.
Rest up Khamzat, i'm sure ill see you soon. But I want to fight January 20th on the island @danawhite @seanshelby @ufc lets make it happen
— Leon 'Rocky' Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) December 29, 2020
And he has an opponent in mind.
Where that bitch Jorge at?
— Leon 'Rocky' Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) December 29, 2020
In the meantime, Neal Magny and Kevin Holland want in.
Let’s make it happen! replied Magny in response to an Instagram message about the withdrawal.
Holland was more explicit still.
Hold up, so am I hearing the #ufcFightIsland hotel has a vacancy and needs a real man to come and do work January 20th? #callbigmouth pic.twitter.com/0zX4cPZMvo
— Kevin Holland (@Trailblaze2top) December 29, 2020
However, is was subsequently announced that Holland was fighting Derek Brunson in the main event of UFC Fight Night 190 on March 20, 2021.
This is the UFC top 15:
CHAMPION: KAMARU USMAN
1. Colby Covington
2. Gilbert Burns
3. Leon Edwards
4. Jorge Masvidal
5. Stephen Thompson
6. Tyron Woodley
7. Demian Maia
8. Michael Chiesa
9. Neil Magny
10. Vicente Luque
11. Geoff Neal
12. Anthony Pettis
13. Belal Muhammad
14. Robbie Lawler
15. Khamzat Chimaev
UG, do you want to see the Chimaev vs. Edwards fight postponed, or should Edwards fight someone else, and if so, who?
