Last year, after numerous canceled fights and several hospital visits, UFC middleweight star Khamzat Chimaev reunited with his former coach, Salim Selbievich, who was instrumental in starting his wrestling career. Chimaev cited the need for proper recovery and rest as reasons for returning to his old coach, a move that many believed would keep him active without taking a break. However, those expectations now seem unlikely.

In August, Chimaev captured the middleweight title by defeating former champion Dricus Du Plessis in a challenging five-round match. His wrestling-heavy performance solidified his place in UFC history. Shortly after winning the belt, he expressed interest in defending it at UFC 321 in October in Abu Dhabi. However, for reasons unknown, he missed that event. Later reports indicated that Chimaev would remain inactive until “next year,” which raised eyebrows, considering he fought only once between October 2024 and October 2025.

Fans began to question if something was wrong. Now, news has finally emerged. As reported by MMA Orbit on X via Adam Zubayraev, Khamzat Chimaev needs a “small operation on his foot,” ruling him out until April 2026. This will rule out the UFC middleweight champion until after Ramadan (April). This update again reminds fans of the Chechen star’s previous career patterns, when multiple fight pullouts left blemishes on his undefeated record.

This situation also poses a challenge for Dana White and the UFC. The middleweight division, known for being one of the promotion’s most active and popular weight classes, has contenders such as Nassourdine Imavov, Anthony Hernandez, and Sean Strickland eagerly awaiting their opportunities for a title shot. Khamzat Chimaev’s prolonged absence puts the UFC in a difficult position, leading fans on social media to demand the creation of an interim middleweight championship in the meantime.

Social media calls grow for UFC interim middleweight belt during Khamzat Chimaev’s absence

Despite citing an injury, Khamzat Chimaev is spending time this week with Arman Tsarukyan, who is set to fight Dan Hooker at the UFC Qatar event this weekend inside the ABHA Arena, marking the promotion’s debut in Qatar. Social media clips and pictures show ‘Borz’ alongside Tsarukyan and his father. These posts prompted a fan to comment, “Tsarukyan effect: anyone who comes in contact with the rat gets infected with inactive syndrome.”

The fan was referencing Tsarukyan’s earlier blunder this year, when, just two days before UFC 311, he pulled out of his title bout against Islam Makhachev due to an injury. Tsarukyan had not fought since then but is now ready to return after 19 months. The fan suggested that Tsarukyan’s habit of withdrawing from fights might be influencing Khamzat Chimaev. Regardless, the fan called on UFC CEO Dana White to arrange an interim title fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Nassourdine Imavov, “Interim title fight it seems. Maybe between DDP VS. Imavov?” Another fan echoed the call, commenting, “Do an interim then.”

Fans also praised Dricus Du Plessis’ short reign, highlighting that he fought continuously against opponents like Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland without any excuses. One fan wrote, “And people hated on DDP atleast the man was active.” Still, fans remain frustrated with Khamzat Chimaev’s repeated inactivity, labeling him the “once a year champ.” Ilia Topuria is also facing scrutiny. He claimed the lightweight title in June, yet with just 10 days left in December, he still has no confirmed fight. Topuria plans to fight at the White House event on June 14, 2026.

One fan predicted Khamzat Chimaev’s continued inactivity, commenting, “Everyone knew this shit would happen,” a sentiment echoed by another who added, “just cannot stay healthy.” Now, Dana White and his team face another challenge, as their UFC heavyweight division has struggled with the same issue since 2023. With the middleweight division now under scrutiny, one fan expressed concern, “Nothing worse than an inactive champion.”

How do you feel about the fans’ reaction to Khamzat Chimaev’s latest setback? Given these interruptions, do you think he can still fulfill his dream of becoming a three-division champion and retire at the top? Share your thoughts below.