Khamzat Chimaev may have promised constant action and quick turnarounds, but reality has put a different timeline in front of him. The undefeated UFC middleweight champion has confirmed that he will not return to competition until after Ramadan, following a minor foot surgery. It means he is sidelined until at least April and more likely May or even mid 2026 depending on his recovery and training schedule.
Speaking to Adam Zubayraev, Chimaev made his plan clear. He intends to rest, recover and then fully prepare for his next challenge.
My return? After Ramadan,” Chimaev said. Right now I have a small operation on my foot. I’ll step away from training for a couple of weeks, heal my wound. So we’ll prepare for after Ramadan. Whoever they give me, that’s who I’ll face.
Ramadan in 2026 runs from February 17 to March 19, making a spring return the most realistic scenario. That would be eight months since he dominated Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 to win the middleweight belt.
How Khamzat Chimaev Absence Impacts the Division
Chimaev’s inactivity is nothing new. After blazing through his first three UFC fights in less than two months, his schedule slowed dramatically due to injuries, illness and training disruptions. In the past three years, he has fought only three times.
Now, the middleweight division must wait again. Ranked contenders like Nassourdine Imavov, Anthony Hernandez and Sean Strickland are eager to strike while the champion heals. Imavov appears to be the most likely challenger for when Chimaev eventually returns. Hernandez has also built momentum, while Strickland remains a dangerous veteran with name value. But without a confirmed date, conversations about an interim title are likely to grow louder.
At this stage, UFC seems patient. No interim belt is currently being discussed, but matchmaking trends suggest the division will need clarity soon.
Ramadan and Recovery: Timing Shapes the Future
Ramadan has long influenced UFC scheduling when it comes to fighters from Dagestan, Chechnya and other Islamic regions. Many top athletes such as Islam Makhachev and Chimaev prefer not to compete or undergo intense training during the month due to fasting rituals and spiritual commitments.
Add in the recovery time from foot surgery and Chimaev is unlikely to enter a camp before April. That makes his next fight more realistic in late spring or early summer. May to July now appears to be the window UFC will target.
In the meantime, the champion will remain present online. He has shown no signs of stepping away from the spotlight, frequently interacting with supporters, responding to callouts and even urging people to help push his desired matchup.
Still Calling Out Pereira
Even while injured, Khamzat Chimaev maintains one particular interest. A potential super fight with light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. Their exchanges across social platforms have turned fiery at times. Pereira even challenged him to a BJJ match after Chimaev claimed he could beat both him and his coach at the same time.
Chimaev doubled down in a recent video, sending out a message directly.
Guys, tell Pereira let’s fight. What is he waiting for? I’m ready.
His words have stirred conversation and speculation but without a green light from UFC or the medical team, that fight remains a fantasy. For now.
The Promise of Action, The Reality of Time
Khamzat Chimaev built his early career on fast turnarounds, calling for three fights in one night and showing no fear of anyone across two divisions. Now, the champion is facing the one opponent that cannot be rushed: time.
Foot surgery. Recovery. Ramadan. Training camp. Then return.
The timeline may frustrate some, but it is part of what makes longevity in combat sports so demanding. Every comeback must be managed carefully, especially at championship level.
When he steps back into the octagon, it will be as an undefeated champion who has had time to heal, reflect and prepare. Whether it is Imavov, Hernandez, Strickland or even Pereira waiting for him, there is no question that his return will shake the division.
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