After a number of health from the early career, Khamzat Chimaev scares him that he is often in the rumor mill when it comes to retirement.
During the Coronavirus Pandemie he almost hung up his gloves, albeit temporarily before he decided to fight further. But he is still marred by problems with cutting weight, health problems and other problems that cause cancellations.
Despite everything that he has achieved his world title at UFC 319 when he takes on Drus Du Plessis in Chicago. But he will continue to fight afterwards, even if he finally reaches the goal of becoming world champion.
Khamzat Chimaev admits that he needs the money while he is closing pension interviews
Khamzat Chimaev is put on a pedestal by MMA fans as a dominant natural force. But when the lights are out and the wage chimons come out, he is still a UFC hunter who is struggling to make ends meet only once a year.
He told his mother that he would hang his gloves as soon as he had a belt to bring her back. But in an interview with ESPN MMA he admitted that he needs the money that goes with champions and has to go beyond UFC 319.
“I need money, Bro. This is not enough, just to go for one title,” Chimaev told host Brett Okamoto. “Hopefully if I don't get injured or some things, I will defend the belt or fight for other belt in Abu Dhabi.
“I work with a new coach and talk to him about going to 170LB again. He said Gimme for a few months and I am going to make it. I don't know who the champion is there, this Australian man would be a good fight for me.
“Go down, fight with him, take the belt there. If I go up, there are Ankalaev and Alex Pereira, they are fighting now. Who wins, I can also fight for that belt.”
Khamzat Chimaev talks about his motivation to fight through
Chimaev continues to fight because of his deep religious views, as a pious Muslim he wants a strong legacy for when he finally passes. And that can include winning UFC gold, as well as remain faithful to his faith.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
“I believe in God, so I want to meet him too,” Chimaev continued during another part of the interview. “Life is really fast … I am already 31.
“I remember that I was 6 or 7 years old, and it feels like yesterday. I believe in God, so do good things before I meet him. If you are not ready to die when it comes, you will be afraid. Maybe I thought about it who made me who I am today.”