UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev will be out of action until at least the second quarter of 2026, confirming that his first title defense will not happen anytime soon.
Speaking from UFC Qatar, where he was cornering Arman Tsarukyan, Chimaev revealed that he is scheduled for minor foot surgery that will force him to pause training. In addition to his recovery, Chimaev will observe Ramadan — pushing his return even further.
“My return — after Ramadan,” Chimaev told Adam Zubayraev. “Right now, I have a small operation on my foot. I’ll step away from training for a couple of weeks, heal my wound. So we’ll prepare after Ramadan, whoever they give me, I’ll face.”
Ramadan runs from February 17 to March 19, 2026. Combined with surgery and rehabilitation, the earliest realistic window for his comeback will be late March or April 2026, depending on UFC scheduling. Many Muslim fighters, including Islam Makhachev, traditionally refrain from competing during Ramadan due to fasting and religious commitments.
This timeline eliminates any possibility of Chimaev competing in early 2026. Instead, attention now turns to potential opponents later in the year — with one name standing out more than the rest.
Top contender Nassourdine Imavov has surged into title contention with five straight wins, including victories over former champion Israel Adesanya and rising star Caio Borralho. He appears to be the most likely challenger for Chimaev’s first title defense, though the UFC has not made any official announcements.
The only obstacle standing in the way of that matchup? Chimaev’s surgery, recovery, and religious obligations before he can resume full training.
Until then, “Borz” remains unbeaten and untouched — but the middleweight contenders are closing in and waiting for their shot.
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