UFC star Khamzat Chimaev apparently turned down a massive fight at UFC 300.
Last week during the UFC 298 postfight press conference, UFC CEO Dana White revealed that Edwards, the UFC welterweight champion, had accepted three different fights at UFC 300 but none of them panned out.
“Let me say this. Leon Edwards, Leon Edwards has had like three opponents through this whole thing. Leon Edwards doesn’t say no to anybody,” exclaimed White. “This kid is an absolute stud. He’s had like three opponents thrown at him during UFC 300. Yes, yes, and yes. Was willing to take on anybody. Kid’s an absolute stud. Leon, thank you. Much respect.”
While speaking to the media, Chimaev revealed that he was offered the fight against Edwards at UFC 300 but turned it down due to it being a quick turnaround and he wanted to take some time off for Ramadan.
Khamzat Chimaev is targeting a summer return. He wants to fight in Saudi in June, but says no one wants to fight him.
He also says he didn’t take the fight against Leon Edwards at #UFC300 since the turnaround was too short to make 170 lbs, and his brother told him not to fight… pic.twitter.com/30zseUGYM6
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 23, 2024
“They wanted me to fight at (UFC) 300, but I said it’s too short time for (170 pounds),” Chimaev continued. “I need a bit of time. The Edwards fight wasn’t 100 percent sure, but my manager said maybe, maybe not. My brother said to me, ‘Not in Ramadan.’ After Ramadan, we’ll take some time, camp and then we’ll fight anyone.”
As for Edwards he will likely get Belal Muhammad as his next opponent.
Chimaev’s status is a bit more unclear considering there are reports that he’s not being allowed to travel to the United States for some mysterious reason.
UFC’s Saudi Arabia event in June seems the best bet for Chimaev’s return.
