Khamzat Chimaev downplays rumors of UFC 300 return: “Not fighting in Ramadan”

Don’t expect to see Khamzat Chimaev fighting at UFC 300 in April.

‘Borz’ has been out of the cage since a clash with former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman last October. Originally, Khamzat Chimaev was expected to face Paulo Costa in a title eliminator, but the Brazilian withdrew. As a result, the Chechen instead faced ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’, winning by majority decision.

The victory seemingly guaranteed Khamzat Chimaev a title shot. While he was later passed up by Dricus du Plessis, who himself defeated Robert Whittaker in a title eliminator in July, the Chechen is still near the front of the line at 185. Earlier today, Ariel Helwani revealed that Chimaev could be receiving that title shot at UFC 300 in April.

The longtime MMA reporter revealed that Khamzat Chimaev was in discussions to fight either Dricus du Plessis or Leon Edwards, at the milestone event. ‘Stillknocks’ defeated Sean Strickland to win UFC middleweight gold last month. Meanwhile, ‘Rocky’ is fresh off a title defense against Colby Covington in December.

Sadly, fans shouldn’t expect to see Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 300. On Instagram, the Chechen responded to a fan’s question about potentially fighting on the April 13th event. Chimaev stated that he won’t be fighting in Ramadan, seemingly taking him out of the running for the card. While Ramadan ends three days before the card, that would be cutting it close for the middleweight contender.

RELATED: TOM ASPINALL OPENS UP ON UFC 300 NEGOTIATIONS TO FIGHT ALEX PEREIRA: “I’M GOOD TO GO!”

Khamzat Chimaev seemingly shuts down UFC 300 return in April

“Hope you’re going be the main event of UFC 300 with the title shot,” A fan wrote on Khamzat Chimaev’s Instagram page earlier today.

The middleweight contender quickly responded, “Not fighting in Ramadan.”

While his comments aren’t definitively shutting down a UFC 300 return, it appears unlikely that Khamzat Chimaev will compete at the event. Now just two months out from the milestone event, it seems that Dana White and company are scrambling to get a headliner. In recent weeks, many fighters have opened up on their discussions to compete in April.

Tom Aspinall has revealed that he was in discussions to fight Stipe Miocic and Alex Pereira at the event, but neither bout came to fruition. Jon Jones has also admitted that the UFC offered him the chance to compete at the event, despite his injury. That, along with this news involving Khamzat Chimaev, shows the company’s struggle to find a suitable headliner.

However, beyond that, UFC 300 is shaping up to be an excellent card. As of now, title fights include ceremonial ‘BMF’ champion Justin Gaethje defending against Max Holloway and strawweight champion Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan. Also slated for the card is the promotional debut of former PFL tournament winner Kayla Harrison against Holly Holm.

What do you make of this news involving Khamzat Chimaev? Who do you want to see in the main event of UFC 300 in April?