In a devastating turn of events for the UFC's inaugural event in Saudi Arabia, the highly anticipated main event has collapsed. Undefeated phenom Khamzat 'Borz' Chimaev has been forced to withdraw from his headline fight against former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker.
The news was confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White, who revealed that Chimaev fell 'violently ill' and required medical treatment. The severity of the situation has left the promotion scrambling to find a solution for the June 22nd card in Riyadh.
A Major Setback for the Kingdom's UFC Debut
The fight was meant to be a centrepiece of the UFC's first foray into the Kingdom, with the winner expected to earn a title shot against reigning champion Dricus du Plessis. Chimaev's withdrawal throws the entire main event into chaos and is a significant disappointment for fans and organisers alike.
Dana White stated that the organisation is now working tirelessly to secure a new opponent for Robert Whittaker on short notice. The urgency is palpable, with the event just weeks away.
Chimaev's Struggle With Illness
This is not the first time illness has disrupted Chimaev's career. His rise through the UFC has been periodically halted by health issues, most notably a brutal battle with COVID-19 that led to his brief retirement announcement in 2021.
While the exact nature of his current illness has not been disclosed, the description of it being 'violent' suggests a serious condition that has left him unable to train or compete. The MMA community now awaits further updates on his health and recovery timeline.
The UFC's matchmakers face a formidable challenge to salvage the main event of this historic card, ensuring the promotion's Saudi debut remains a must-watch spectacle.
