UFC Shock: Khamzat Chimaev will retire immediately after winning the title at UFC 319 against Dricus Du Plessis

The middleweight division could be in for a massive shake-up as rumors swirl around Khamzat Chimaev’s potential retirement after UFC 319. According to fellow UFC middleweight Caio Borralho, Chimaev may walk away from the sport if he defeats Dricus Du Plessis to claim the middleweight title.

Speaking in a recent interview, Borralho shed light on whispers circulating within the MMA community regarding Chimaev’s future.

“I heard somewhere, some people saying that if he wins the belt, he’s gonna retire. He has health problems and a lot of pressure from his country. He has a lot of money already. I’d do the same if I were him,” Borralho revealed.

Khamzat Chimaev: The Reluctant Champion?

Chimaev’s rise to stardom has been meteoric. Bursting onto the UFC scene with his violent finishes and fearless approach to multiple weight classes, the Dagestani-born Swedish fighter became one of the promotion’s biggest draws.

Yet despite his undefeated record and ferocious in-cage persona, questions about his health and personal life have lingered.

Chimaev previously struggled with severe COVID-19 complications in 2021, even hinting at retirement in a now-infamous Instagram post. Though he later reversed course and returned stronger, the episode left doubts about his long-term health.

The Pressure of Being a National Icon

Beyond the octagon, Chimaev carries the expectations of two nations. Representing Chechnya and Sweden, he faces immense cultural and political pressure to succeed—and to represent his people with pride.

Borralho alluded to this burden:

“He has a lot of pressure from his country.”

As one of the few global Muslim MMA superstars, Chimaev has become a symbol of success and resilience. But with great fame comes intense scrutiny, and such responsibility could weigh heavily on the fighter’s mental and emotional health.

Financial Freedom Could Fuel an Early Exit

Chimaev’s rapid success has also earned him substantial wealth. From UFC fight purses to sponsorship deals and endorsements, the 30-year-old no longer fights out of financial necessity.

Borralho speculated that, like any smart athlete, Chimaev might choose to protect his health and happiness by stepping away at the top.

“He has a lot of money already. I’d do the same if I were him.”

In a sport where fighters often stick around too long, risking their health for dwindling paychecks, Chimaev retiring as an undefeated, two-division contender would be a rare and respectable move.

A Huge What-If for the Middleweight Division

If Chimaev does defeat Du Plessis at UFC 319 and retires shortly after, the middleweight division could descend into chaos.

Potential contenders like Sean Strickland, Jared Cannonier, and Robert Whittaker would be thrust back into the title picture. Du Plessis, depending on the nature of his defeat, could also earn an immediate rematch or reclaim the belt in Chimaev’s absence.

The UFC may even consider an interim title fight if Chimaev chooses to vacate the championship immediately after winning it.

Dricus Du Plessis: The Last Obstacle

Before any retirement talk becomes reality, Chimaev must first defeat the reigning middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis. The South African bruiser has proven himself one of the division’s toughest competitors, toppling elite fighters like Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland on his path to gold.

Du Plessis’ aggressive style, cardio, and power could pose significant problems for Chimaev, whose own gas tank and striking defense have been questioned at times.

Despite his aura of invincibility, Chimaev faces his toughest challenge yet at UFC 319. Retirement rumors aside, he’ll need to be at his best to dethrone Du Plessis.

What Does the UFC Think of Chimaev’s Alleged Retirement Plans?

The UFC likely won’t be thrilled about the possibility of Chimaev retiring so soon. Dana White and the promotion have invested heavily in marketing Chimaev as one of the sport’s next big global stars.

He’s headlined cards in Abu Dhabi, been involved in huge pay-per-view events, and helped expand the UFC’s reach in Russia, Sweden, and the Middle East.

A sudden exit would leave a star-power void in the middleweight and welterweight divisions, both of which Chimaev has competed in.

Could This Be a Tactical Move to Increase Leverage?

It’s also possible that retirement rumors are part of a negotiation strategy. Fighters sometimes hint at stepping away to boost their market value or secure more favorable contract terms.

Chimaev could be testing the waters to gauge the UFC’s reaction and potentially position himself for a lucrative deal, should he choose to continue fighting.

Borralho’s Comments: Inside Info or Just Speculation?

Caio Borralho didn’t claim to have direct confirmation from Chimaev himself, instead citing the MMA rumor mill. Still, fighters often have insight into their peers’ mindsets through gym talk, mutual managers, and the fight circuit grapevine.

Until Chimaev speaks publicly on the matter, fans and pundits will have to take Borralho’s comments as educated speculation.

What’s Next for Khamzat Chimaev, Win or Lose?

If Chimaev wins and retires, his legacy would be sealed as one of the UFC’s greatest what-if stories—an undefeated champion who left at his peak. He’d join the ranks of fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov who walked away on top.

If he loses, the retirement question becomes more complicated. Would he seek a rematch? Try again for the title? Or would a setback encourage him to hang up the gloves?

Fan Reactions: Shock, Admiration, and Skepticism

The MMA community has reacted strongly to Borralho’s claims:

• Some admire Chimaev’s potential foresight, believing that retiring young to preserve his health is admirable.

• Others are skeptical, thinking Chimaev is too competitive to step away without defending his title at least once.

• Many are simply shocked, as they expected Chimaev to chase two-division glory by returning to welterweight for another title run.

Final Thoughts: A Legend in the Making or a Star Who Left Too Soon?

Khamzat Chimaev has captivated the MMA world like few others. His blend of aggression, charisma, and skill has made him must-see TV every time he steps into the Octagon.

But with great success comes difficult choices. If Chimaev truly plans to retire after UFC 319, he will leave behind a legacy of unfinished business—but also the respect of those who value health and happiness over career longevity.

For now, all eyes are on UFC 319. Whether Chimaev retires or not, one thing is clear: the middleweight division—and the UFC as a whole—will never be the same after this fight.