In a recent episode of The MightyCast, former UFC champion Demetrious Johnson raised concerns about rising star Khamzat Chimaev's ongoing health issues and their potential impact on his career. Johnson drew parallels between Chimaev and former standout Zabit Magomedsharipov, who had to retire due to health complications.

Chimaev, originally scheduled to face former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the UFC Saudi Arabia main event this Saturday, was forced to withdraw due to his lingering health problems. This marked the fifth time that the 30-year-old has been unable to fulfill a main event bout in the UFC.

Zabit Magomedsharipov burst onto the UFC scene in 2017 and quickly gained widespread recognition for his impressive fighting style. Many respected personalities in the sport viewed him as a future champion. However, he faced numerous health issues throughout his UFC tenure, which eventually led him to retire from MMA in 2020 and pursue a career in medicine.

Johnson believes that Chimaev's career could take a similar trajectory due to his ongoing health problems. While he clarified that he is not necessarily predicting retirement for Chimaev, Johnson expressed that he wouldn't be surprised if the Swedish fighter chose to walk away from the sport. Johnson noted that Chimaev's frequent hospitalizations before fights raise concerns about underlying health issues.

Expressing optimism for a potential resolution, Johnson suggested that if Chimaev can identify and address his health issues, it may result in him becoming a better athlete. However, he emphasized that retirement could also be a possibility for the talented fighter.

Meanwhile, rumors circulating that Chimaev withdrew from the event due to food poisoning were debunked by his teammate, Tam Khan. Khan took to social media to clarify that Chimaev's hospitalization was due to a more serious health condition, dismissing the food poisoning speculation.

Chimaev's health concerns have become a pattern, with his last fight taking place at UFC 294 in October, where he narrowly defeated Kamaru Usman. The setbacks have raised questions about his long-term future in the sport.

It remains to be seen how Chimaev will navigate his health challenges and whether he can overcome them to pursue a successful career in the UFC. With the support of his team and the MMA community, Chimaev will undoubtedly be hoping for a positive outcome as he strives to make a mark on the sport.