Khamzat Chimaev is scheduled to return to the UFC Octagon on August 16, 2025, at UFC 319 in Chicago, facing Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight title. This fight marks an important moment for Chimaev to establish himself as a dependable champion, following a series of cancellations and setbacks that have caused concern among fans and critics alike.
Despite his undeniable skills and dominance in the cage, Chimaev’s reputation as a reliable UFC champion has been questioned due to his history of withdrawing from bouts, mainly because of illness and visa complications. The upcoming title fight could change the narrative and demonstrate whether ‘Borz’ is ready to consistently carry the championship mantle.
Concerns Raised Over Chimaev’s Reliability by MMA Voices
Din Thomas, a former UFC fighter turned analyst, publicly expressed doubts about Chimaev’s dependability as a champion. In a recent interview, Thomas warned about the possibility of Chimaev’s fights not materializing, stating,
“If Khamzat wins, it’s a disaster. You can’t tell me a part of you isn’t just thinking, ‘This fight might not actually happen.’ Some of these guys habitually struggle just to make it to the dance.”
—Din Thomas, UFC Analyst
Thomas’ criticism revolves around Chimaev’s record of six canceled fights, which have raised frustration among the UFC community. While some cancellations were out of Chimaev’s control—for instance, three bouts against Leon Edwards that fell through during the COVID era, and the UFC 294 encounter with Paulo Costa, which Costa withdrew from due to an elbow infection—other causes affected Chimaev directly. Specifically, his severe illness before the scheduled bout with Robert Whittaker and multiple visa issues have hindered his ability to compete consistently.
The Impact of Illness and Visa Issues on Chimaev’s Career
UFC president Dana White has openly shared his frustrations with the disruptions caused by Chimaev’s frequent health problems and travel restrictions. White once admitted to the challenges in getting Chimaev into the United States, explaining,
“It’s just we’ve got to work on getting him into the country. It ain’t easy to get people into the country right now.”
—Dana White, UFC President
Chimaev’s visa struggles were a significant hurdle that delayed his participation in several major UFC events. Despite these obstacles, he eventually made a comeback on U.S. soil at UFC 273, where he delivered a memorable fight against Gilbert Burns. However, complications resurfaced when Chimaev missed weight by 7.5 pounds ahead of UFC 279, forcing a last-minute change from a planned fight with Nate Diaz to facing Kevin Holland, whom Chimaev defeated decisively in the opening round.
White then hinted at a possible permanent shift for Chimaev to compete at 185 pounds, remarking,
“We have to look at it and figure it out, but what makes sense is for him to fight at 185.”
—Dana White, UFC President
Unfortunately, Chimaev’s health remained unpredictable. Prior to UFC Abu Dhabi’s main event earlier this year, he was hospitalized with a compromised immune system, leading to a withdrawal from the fight against Robert Whittaker. Dana White reflected on the situation with concern:
“Every time this guy gets close to a fight, I see video footage of him on the ground, violently ill. He was hospitalized again.”
—Dana White, UFC President
Negotiating the Path Forward: Can Chimaev Overcome Setbacks to Become a Steady Champion?
With the middleweight title fight against Dricus du Plessis on the horizon, many wonder if Chimaev can maintain the level of activity expected from a UFC champion. Critics worry that his history may repeat itself, leaving the promotion and fans in disappointment. Yet, there is also reason for optimism.
Michael Bisping, former UFC middleweight champion, weighed in on the doubts voiced by Din Thomas. In a YouTube video, Bisping agreed that Chimaev’s illnesses might result in intermittent inactivity but downplayed the overall severity of the issue. He also highlighted that Chimaev has recently managed to make the 185-pound weight limit without trouble, which resolves a major concern regarding his ability to compete effectively in the middleweight division.
UFC President Dana White further alleviated concerns about Chimaev’s visa problems at the UFC Saudi Arabia post-fight presser, saying confidently,
“Don’t listen to any of that bulls—t — he’ll get inside the United States. I’m very confident.”
—Dana White, UFC President
Behind the scenes, support from prominent figures such as former U.S. President Donald Trump bolsters confidence that visa issues will no longer obstruct Chimaev’s career. This development could be instrumental in allowing Chimaev to defend the title frequently and regain trust as an active champion.
Looking Ahead: The Significance of UFC 319 for Chimaev and the Organization
The upcoming clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis carries significant weight for the UFC. A victory for Chimaev could cement his position as a middleweight champion, finally answering critics and silencing doubts about his reliability. More importantly, it offers the opportunity to prove that he can maintain a busy and successful reign consistent with the expectations for a star fighter.
Fans are eager to see whether Chimaev, often regarded as one of the most talented fighters on the roster, can live up to the hype without further interruptions. Should he succeed, the UFC may witness a boost in audience engagement, driven by the presence of a dynamic and dependable champion competing regularly.
As UFC 319 approaches, all eyes will remain fixed on Chimaev to see if he can deliver not just a championship win but also a renewed image as the reliable UFC champion fans have been waiting for.