Khamzat Chimaev, one of the most dynamic fighters in the UFC today, is set to challenge for the middleweight championship against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319. Amid strong expectations for his victory, the ongoing Khamzat Chimaev UFC retirement rumors suggest that the fighter might consider ending his career shortly after securing the title.
The Rise of an Unbeaten UFC Star and Retirement Speculations
Chimaev has remained undefeated in the UFC, overpowering opponents like Robert Whittaker and Kevin Holland with remarkable ease. His intense fighting approach combined with a cold, focused demeanor has earned him a devoted fan base globally. Yet, despite his rapid success, speculation is growing around the possibility that Chimaev may retire soon after winning the middleweight belt at UFC 319.
Caio Borralho, a top middleweight contender and former training partner, has publicly hinted at this unexpected possibility. Borralho noted,
“I heard somewhere, some people saying that if he wins the belt, he’s gonna retire. 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. Maybe he retires, maybe not. He has a lot of money already. A lot of money — he’s good with money. He’ll already be champion, so why not retire? I would do the same.”
—Caio Borralho via MMA News
Chimaev’s health history adds weight to these rumors. In 2021, he faced severe COVID-19 complications that nearly ended his career. His condition was so critical that he coughed up blood and seriously contemplated stepping away from fighting. These problems led to multiple fight cancellations and left fans concerned about his long-term future in the sport.
Despite these setbacks, Chimaev made a strong comeback and continued to demonstrate his dominance inside the octagon. The birth of his son further shifted his outlook, resulting in a calmer and more approachable personality off the cage while maintaining his competitive edge during fights.
Though he has never officially spoken about retirement plans, the changing tone around him and whispers in the MMA community suggest that the option remains viable. However, all eyes are now fixed on his upcoming title showdown with Du Plessis to see if those rumors will intensify or fade.
Rivalry and Predictions Ahead of UFC 319 Middleweight Title Fight
Khamzat Chimaev earned his place as a middleweight contender by defeating former champion Robert Whittaker in a punishing match that resulted in a broken jaw for Whittaker. His rapid rise caused tension with current champion Dricus Du Plessis, with both fighters exchanging barbs publicly and adding a personal edge to their scheduled bout.
While Du Plessis has openly promised to maintain his grip on the middleweight division, not everyone shares his confidence. Caio Borralho believes Chimaev could once again surprise fans with a swift victory, similar to his win over Whittaker. Borralho explained his view in a recent interview:
“I think it could be as fast as the Whittaker fight. Because people don’t prepare well to fight Khamzat. They think it’s just about training against wrestlers. It’s not about that. So let’s see what kind of preparation Dricus is going to do for this fight, but every time that I bet against Dricus, he shuts my mouth. I think it can be as fast as the Whittaker fight.”
—Caio Borralho via MMA Crazy
Dricus Du Plessis enters UFC 319 with significant momentum after handing defeats to two former champions, Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland. Du Plessis is known for an unusual fighting style combined with resilience, factors that might challenge Chimaev’s typically dominant approach. The matchup promises to test both athletes’ skills and mental strength.
The Implications for Chimaev and the UFC Landscape
The outcome of UFC 319 will be crucial not only for the middleweight title picture but also in potentially determining Chimaev’s future in MMA. Should he claim the belt, the lingering whispers about his retirement could become reality, dramatically shaking up the division and UFC’s promotional plans.
Chimaev’s presence in the sport has added excitement and unpredictability, and his departure—if it happens—would leave a notable void. Even so, the prospect of a champion choosing to step away early underscores the pressures faced by fighters balancing health, personal life, and public expectations.
Until then, the focus remains on the highly anticipated matchup between Chimaev and Du Plessis, which MMA fans expect will deliver high drama and intense competition on fight night.