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Is Khamzat Chimaev Retiring? UFC Superstar’s Ex-Training Partner Spills Tea on Latest ‘Whispers’

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Ameetosh Dash | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 11:23 AM ET

Khamzat Chimaev is undoubtedly one of the most electrifying and entertaining fighters on the current UFC roster across all divisions. After years of rising expectations, the Russian-born fighter is finally set to compete for the middleweight title against Dricus Du Plessis. Heading into UFC 319, Chimaev is the clear betting favorite, though rumors suggest his potential title reign could be surprisingly brief.

Chimaev remains undefeated in the UFC and has dominated tough opponents like Robert Whittaker, Kevin Holland, and others with ease. Thanks to his ruthless fighting style and cold, intense personality, he has quickly become a fan favorite across the MMA community. However, top middleweight contender Caio Borralho claims that ‘Borz’ might actually consider retirement if he captures the title at UFC 319.

I heard somewhere, some people saying that if he wins the belt, he’s gonna retire. I think so. There’s some little talks, some whispers about that. If he wins the belt, he retires. I’m not sure of that. I don’t know if I believe that or not, but it’s an option. There’s too much pressure on him. Health problems and a lot of pressure from his country. Maybe he retires, maybe not. He has a lot of money already. A lot of money — he’s good with money. He’ll already be champion, so why not retire? I would do the same.
Caio Borralho via MMA News

Chimaev has dealt with serious health problems in the past, including a severe battle with COVID-19 complications in 2021. His condition became so critical at one point that he reportedly coughed up blood and even considered retiring from fighting entirely. These health issues forced him to pull out of multiple scheduled UFC fights, leaving fans concerned about his long-term career stability.

Caio Borralho says he’s heard ‘some whispers’ that Khamzat Chimaev may retire after #UFC319 if he wins the belt

“He has a lot of money already. He’s good with money… Why not retire? I would do the same.”

@mmahoje_ pic.twitter.com/YR7l2bC2ms
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 10, 2025

Despite those struggles, Chimaev made a remarkable recovery and returned stronger, determined to continue dominating in the octagon. On top of that, after the birth of his son, ‘Borz’ experienced a major shift in mindset, leaving behind the dark and intimidating aura. He became noticeably more friendly and calm, embracing fatherhood as a force that reshaped his personality both inside and outside the cage.

Chimaev now seems more balanced and approachable, yet he still carries the same intensity and desire to dominate every opponent. Although he has never openly discussed retirement, there remains a strong possibility given recent hints and changes in his demeanor. Still, before any of that happens, fans are fully focused on his upcoming middleweight title clash against Dricus Du Plessis.

Top middleweight contender predicts Khamzat Chimaev to win the title at UFC 319

Khamzat Chimaev became the middleweight title contender by beating former champion Robert Whittaker and breaking his jaw. His dominance and rapid rise created friction with current champion Dricus Du Plessis, leading to an intense and growing personal rivalry. Both fighters have taken repeated jabs at each other through interviews, memes, and social media posts, igniting tension between them.

Du Plessis has vowed to dismantle Chimaev and extend his middleweight title reign; however, Brazilian fighter Caio Borralho believes otherwise. A former training partner of Chimaev, Borralho claims to understand his style deeply. In a recent MMA Crazy interview, he explained why he thinks the undefeated fighter could shock DDP and walk away with the championship.

I think it could be as fast as the Whittaker fight. Because people don’t prepare well to fight Khamzat. They think it’s just about training against wrestlers. It’s not about that. So let’s see what kind of preparation Dricus is going to do for this fight, but every time that I bet against Dricus, he shuts my mouth. I think it can be as fast as the Whittaker fight.
Caio Borralho via MMA Crazy

DDP is riding huge momentum after recently defeating two former champions, Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland , in dominant fashion. The South African possesses an awkward/unorthodox fighting style paired with exceptional durability that could present serious problems for Chimaev. Nevertheless, fans are eagerly waiting to see who ultimately emerges victorious in this high-stakes title clash at UFC 319.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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