Khamzat Chimaev could be considering retirement right after UFC 319, where he is set to challenge Dricus du Plessis for the UFC middleweight championship on August 16 at the United Center in Chicago. This speculation around Khamzat Chimaev UFC retirement arises from comments made by his middleweight opponent Caio Borralho, who hinted that Chimaev might step away from competition if he secures the title.
Chimaev joined the UFC scene explosively in 2020, winning three fights within just two months and quickly being hailed as a future champion. However, his trajectory has faced repeated interruptions due to COVID-19, injuries, and illness, delaying his rise to championship status. Now, as his awaited title shot approaches, talks about his possible exit from fighting have intensified.
Caio Borralho Shares Insights on Chimaev’s Possible Retirement
Caio Borralho revealed that there have been whispers about Khamzat Chimaev planning to retire immediately after winning the belt. He explained that there is significant pressure weighing on Chimaev, stemming not only from health challenges but also from expectations coming from his home country. Borralho emphasized the financial independence Chimaev has achieved, suggesting Chimaev might have little motivation to continue fighting once crowned champion.
I heard somewhere, some people saying that if he wins the belt, he’s gonna retire,
Borralho told MMA Today.
And I think so. There’s some little talks, some whispers about that. If he wins the belt, he retires. I’m not sure of that. I don’t know if I believe that or not, but it’s an option. There’s too much pressure on him. Health problems and a lot of pressure from his country. I don’t know. Maybe he retires, maybe not. He has a lot of money already. A lot of money — he’s good with money. So there will be no something that’s going to make him want to fight. He’ll already be champion, so why not retire? I would do the same. I would do the same if I was him, with his money that he has.
—Caio Borralho, UFC Middleweight Contender
Assessing the UFC 319 Matchup: Borralho’s Take on the Fight’s Outcome
Although Chimaev’s retirement hinges on a victory, Borralho believes that Chimaev is poised to prevail against du Plessis at UFC 319. He compared the potential speed and decisiveness of the fight to that of Robert Whittaker’s quick finish, suggesting the bout could end rapidly in the first round.
It’s hard to bet against Dricus, because I always lost, but here’s the thing about this fight, I think it can be as fast as the Whittaker fight,
Borralho said.
First round, two or three minutes, over. I think it can be very, very fast.
However, Borralho noted the possibility that if the fight extends beyond the early rounds, du Plessis’ strength and stamina could give him an advantage in the later stages. He highlighted the difficulty Chimaev might face in controlling du Plessis on the ground and the energy expenditure involved.
Should the fight progress into the third round and beyond, Borralho believes that du Plessis could gain momentum, making the later rounds challenging for Chimaev. Despite this, Borralho expects Chimaev’s pride and determination will push him to fight fiercely until the final bell.
I don’t think Chimaev is going to just give up. He’s going to fight. He’s a very proud guy. He’s going to fight until the end, until the death, but I don’t think he’s going to be as dominant as the first two rounds.
—Caio Borralho, UFC Middleweight Contender
Context of Chimaev’s Career and UFC 319 Stakes
Chimaev’s UFC career has been marked by a thrilling start tempered by setbacks. Winning three consecutive fights in a short span drew widespread expectation for his championship potential, yet illness and injuries sidelined him for extended periods. His undefeated record entering UFC 319 remains intact, amplifying the anticipation around his title bout.
The fight against du Plessis represents a critical moment not just for the championship but also for Chimaev’s future. Securing the belt would put him at the pinnacle of the middleweight division, but according to Borralho’s remarks, this might also serve as the signal for Chimaev to retire from active competition.
Upcoming UFC Event Logistics and Broader Implications
UFC 319 will take place in Chicago’s United Center on August 16, featuring the main event of Chimaev versus du Plessis. The fight will attract significant attention given Chimaev’s potential retirement announcement hanging over the card. Fans and analysts alike will watch to see if Chimaev’s career climax leads to a dramatic championship victory and an unexpected exit from the sport.
Should Chimaev retire immediately after winning the title, the UFC middleweight division would face a swift reshuffling, creating opportunities and challenges for contenders like Borralho and others. It would also add a unique chapter to Chimaev’s legacy — a swift rise, title triumph, and early retirement, influenced by health concerns and internal pressures.
Other Notable UFC and MMA Updates
While the spotlight remains on Chimaev, various other developments have occurred in the mixed martial arts and combat sports world. Conor McGregor recently made waves with a call-out to Mike Perry ahead of his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) return, alongside announcements of new signings including Yoel Romero. The BKFC itself has unveiled a $25 million tournament slated for March and initiatives supporting fighter equity.
In heavyweight news, Jon Jones faces new legal challenges following a car accident in February, with his attorney filing motions to dismiss certain charges. Meanwhile, Charles Oliveira singled out Ilia Topuria as the hardest hitter he has faced in MMA after their UFC 317 bout.
Other fighters, such as Stephen Thompson and Magomed Ankalaev, are making waves with moves in their respective divisions. Managers and insiders have indicated upcoming rematches and fights set to shape the landscape of MMA later this year. In organizational changes, former Turner executive John Martin has been appointed as the new CEO of Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Community Notes and Industry Perspectives
Within the MMA and broader fighting community, respect is being shown to veterans like Ben Askren, who continues to be recognized for his toughness. Public figures and fighters have engaged in social media discussions highlighting character, resilience, and the strategic aspects of fighting careers. For example, Big John McCarthy praised Jake Paul for assisting Ben Askren with medical expense issues, underscoring solidarity within the sport.
Meanwhile, fighters such as Jonny Meat (Jon Jones) have shared insights on personal motivations and career reflections, including feelings about representing the United States on prominent stages and optimism about navigating any eventual retirement with purpose and positivity.
In boxing, drama continues with Oscar De La Hoya involved in heated exchanges, including moments noted by DAZN Boxing of intense pre-fight tension.
Looking Ahead: What UFC 319 Could Mean for Chimaev and the Middleweight Division
The upcoming UFC 319 event represents a critical juncture for Khamzat Chimaev, as his title fight against Dricus du Plessis could determine both the future of the middleweight division and Chimaev’s own career trajectory. If Chimaev triumphs and indeed chooses to retire, it would mark a rare and unprecedented end to a meteoric UFC career, shaped by exceptional skill, resilience, and personal pressures.
For fans, analysts, and competitors, the aftermath of UFC 319 will likely redefine opportunities and narratives within the division, emphasizing how a single event can influence the sport’s landscape both inside and outside the octagon.