The expected UFC match between Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev on March 13 is turned off. Again.
UFC President Dana White told ESPN on Thursday that Chimaev had been forced to withdraw from the fight due to the persistent physical effects caused by COVID-19. White said Chimaev has a lung problem and will be given medication again.
“I’m so upset. I was so excited. That was one of my favorite fights this year,” White told ESPN. The only thing you need to look at now is health. Let’s make sure this guy is healthy, give him the best care and make sure he recovers completely.
This is the third time the fight has fallen. The two were due to fight on December 19, but Edwards came out with COVID-19. Chimaev withdrew from a rescheduled date of January 20 for the same reason.
White told ESPN that the promotion will have to go through the game while Chimaev recovers. Edwards is expected to book a different opponent and move on to a new date.
Chimaev, who fights outside Sweden, was a star for the UFC in 2020. He made his promotional debut in July and scored John Phillips in the second round. He returned and fought Rhys McKee just 10 days later and won that fight via TKO. He then eliminated Gerald Meerschaert in just 17 seconds in September.