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Khamzat Chimaev could not have been combating at UFC Saudi Arabia, however he was watching the principle occasion, which noticed Robert Whittaker spark Ikram Aliskerov contained in the very first spherical (watch highlights) simply hours in the past. Chimaev was presupposed to be the person standing reverse “The Reaper,” however another disastrous illness on the final second value him the chance … or saved him the knockout loss?
Chimaev reacted to the result on social media. “Congratulations [Robert Whittaker] we’re not accomplished!” He wrote (by way of Google Translate). “I want you a speedy restoration [Ikram Aliskerov] maintain your head up my brother.”
For some further context, Chimaev himself fought Aliskerov again in 2019. He additionally defeated the Fight Sambo champion by way of first-round uppercut knockout, which is one thing of an odd coincidence. Had Chimaev made it into the cage this afternoon, he would have been combating to earn a title shot.
Because of Whittaker’s dominant win, Chimaev’s place is now not sure. Whittaker is now in talks to be the again up for the UFC 305 title fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya. There’s nothing to realize for “The Reaper” to cling onto the Khamzat combat, as a result of he’s chasing the title. Plus, he simply did a camp coaching for “Borz” just for the rug to be pulled on the final second, an expertise he in all probability doesn’t wish to threat twice.
Subsequently, Chimaev has misplaced floor within the Middleweight title hunt. It stays to be seen who he’s matched in opposition to upon his return or what his precise timetable might be, however his place would’ve been an entire lot higher with a victory tonight.
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