As Khamzat Chimaev prepares for a high-stakes middleweight title showdown against Dricus du Plessis, the UFC backup controversy surrounding the fighter has intensified. Scheduled for UFC 319, the bout has sparked tensions among the MMA community due to Chimaev’s previous pullouts, raising doubts about the event’s stability and prompting discussions about replacement fighters. This controversy ties closely to the UFC’s contingency plans and the roles of other fighters willing to step in if Chimaev withdraws.

Although recent UFC pay-per-view events have proceeded without replacements, Dana White’s organization remains vigilant given Chimaev’s complex fight history. The recent disagreement between Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho, both connected to the backup fighter role, further fuels the debate and exposes the friction behind the scenes as the UFC navigates potential last-minute changes.

Backup Fighter Dispute Reveals Tensions Between Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho

Nassourdine Imavov claimed in June that he was set to serve as the backup fighter at UFC 319 but withdrew due to unmet conditions from the UFC. Posting a direct message on social media, Imavov stated,

No backup anymore. Conditions changed. You wanted to talk son, I’m here, I’m gonna break you [Caio Borralho],

—Nassourdine Imavov, Fighter

However, Caio Borralho challenged Imavov’s statements, accusing him of fabricating the claim and portraying himself as difficult to manage. Borralho revealed that neither Dana White nor UFC officials had offered Imavov the backup role and criticized him for imposing numerous conditions. Speaking on Submission Radio, Borralho said,

He was never the backup. Actually, there was never a conversation about it with the UFC because UFC knows he’s a hard guy to deal with,

and added,

He’s a very spoiled guy. He wants all the conditions [to be] good for him.

—Caio Borralho, Fighter

This dispute highlights the complexity of booking UFC events where fighters’ demands and the organization’s scheduling must align. Borralho also disclosed that a scheduled fight between him and Imavov was postponed because of Imavov’s reluctance, with the bout now set to take place in France. According to Borralho, the location in Imavov’s home country was among the Frenchman’s conditions for accepting the fight, further emphasizing the obstacles UFC faces in finalizing matchups.

Borralho explained,

We were supposed to fight in [Las] Vegas on International Fight Week, in June 17. I say yes right away when UFC called me and he said no, that he wanted to be backup,

and continued,

They finally got this fight in the conditions that he wanted, like, in France, in his hometown in September, the day that he wanted to have some time to prepare, and all this s–t, you know.

—Caio Borralho, Fighter

Potential Impact of Chimaev’s Championship Reign on the Middleweight Division

Beyond the immediate backup controversy, concerns loom about Chimaev’s long-term presence as UFC middleweight champion. Analysts worry that if Chimaev secures the title, his track record of fight cancellations and disruptions could stall the division‘s progress, reminiscent of Jon Jones’ effect on the light heavyweight and heavyweight scenes. Jon Jones’ refusal to face Tom Aspinall led to a stagnation of the heavyweight title landscape, creating a lockdown that frustrated fans and promoters alike.

Former fighter and analyst Din Thomas expressed his apprehension in a conversation with Mike Bohn, stating,

I’m going to keep it hundred with you, if Khamzat wins, it’s a disaster, actually. [That’s] because you can’t tell me a part of you is just thinking this fight actually might not happen… It’s not because of Dricus,

and further noted,

[That’s] because we need movement. I hate when it’s just like, static. When there’s no movement in these divisions. And in order for there to be movement in the divisions, the champions have to fight.

—Din Thomas, MMA Analyst

Despite these worries, there are no current indications that Chimaev is facing medical issues or is likely to withdraw from UFC 319. Should he emerge victorious, this fight may mark the culmination of his MMA career or the opening of a new chapter, as he has dispelled rumors of imminent retirement. The outcome and aftermath will be critical in shaping the future dynamics of the middleweight division.

Background on the UFC’s Recent Pay-Per-View Events and Fighter Replacements

Most recent UFC pay-per-views have occurred as scheduled without the need for replacement fighters, with UFC 311 being a rare exception. This trend has helped maintain event integrity and meet fan expectations. However, with fighters like Chimaev, who have a reputation for pulling out of fights, the UFC continually prepares contingency plans to safeguard its lucrative pay-per-view cards. This proactive approach aims to prevent disruptions and financial losses that can arise from last-minute cancellations.

Despite these systems, occurrences like the Imavov and Borralho disagreement reveal the fragile nature of backup arrangements and the challenges in securing reliable substitutes. Fighter demands and negotiation breakdowns can throw plans into disarray, adding further tension to the already pressurized environment of fight promotion.

How Fighter Demands Influence UFC Scheduling and Backup Arrangements

The reluctance or conditions set by fighters can complicate UFC matchmaking, as demonstrated by Imavov’s insistence on particular terms like fighting in his home country and having sufficient preparation time. Such stipulations often clash with UFC’s broader scheduling needs and can lead to rescheduled bouts or last-minute reshuffles.

For fighters, these conditions may reflect concerns about competitive advantage, comfort, or personal convenience, but for the UFC, managing these requests is a balancing act between honoring fighters’ interests and maintaining event continuity. The friction encountered in this situation underscores how delicate the negotiation process can be, sometimes derailing potential fights altogether.

The Broader Implications for UFC’s Title Picture and Fan Experience

The ongoing issues with backup fighters and the speculation about Chimaev’s ability to fulfill his upcoming title bout raise significant concerns for the UFC’s middleweight championship trajectory. Fans and insiders alike fear that repeated cancellations or delays could erode excitement and confidence in the division’s management.

Moreover, if Chimaev’s championship reign results in producing few defenses or causing division inactivity, the UFC could face backlash similar to past situations with dominant but inactive champions. The middleweight division’s future competitiveness and appeal may hinge on whether the UFC can mitigate these risks and ensure smooth fight scheduling going forward.

Ultimately, the unfolding Khamzat Chimaev UFC backup controversy exposes the broader challenges of managing elite fighters with complex histories while trying to deliver reliable headline events that satisfy fans, promote growth, and uphold the UFC’s position as mixed martial arts’ premier organization.