In a shocking turn of events, Khamzat Chimaev has been forced to withdraw from his middleweight clash against Paulo Costa at UFC 294, leaving fans and analysts scrambling for answers.
Why Did Chimaev Pull Out?
The undefeated Chechen-born fighter reportedly suffered a serious injury during training, though the exact nature of the setback remains undisclosed. UFC President Dana White confirmed the news, stating that Chimaev is "devastated" by the withdrawal.
Who Will Replace Chimaev?
With just weeks remaining before the Abu Dhabi event, the UFC is urgently seeking a replacement opponent for Costa. Rumours suggest former champion Kamaru Usman or rising contender Ikram Aliskerov could step in, but nothing has been finalised.
Fan Reactions and Fallout
MMA enthusiasts have taken to social media to express their disappointment, with many calling this the "biggest fight cancellation of the year". This marks the second high-profile withdrawal for Chimaev in recent months, raising questions about his long-term durability.
The UFC 294 card, headlined by Islam Makhachev vs Charles Oliveira, will proceed as planned on October 21st at Etihad Arena.
