Khamzat Chimaev (photo via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Following the news that Khamzat Chimaev has withdrawn from a January 20th bout with Leon Edwards, clarification on his removal has emerged.

Chimaev was booked to face the welterweight contender in the main event of the UFC’s upcoming, Fight Island  card. But, recently it was reported he has pulled out of the bout due to an undisclosed reason.

According to a follow-up report from MMA Junkie, Chimaev is still recovering from issues tied to COVID-19, which he contracted earlier this month. The report states that X-rays show the fighter’s lungs have still not fully recovered from the virus.

Chimaev (9-0) went 3-0 in 2020 and made history in July, by becoming the first fighter in modern UFC history to win two bouts in just 10 days.