In a disappointing turn of events, Khamzat Chimaev has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled fight against Robert Whittaker at UFC on ABC 6. Chimaev's manager, Majdi Shammas, confirmed the news on Instagram, revealing that the fighter was battling a persistent illness throughout his training camp.

According to Shammas, despite the team's efforts to find a solution, Chimaev's condition could not be cured in time for the highly anticipated matchup. The fighter had been in and out of hospitals multiple times, with the illness impacting his ability to properly prepare for the formidable opponent that is Robert Whittaker.

The news is a disappointment not only for Chimaev and his team but also for fans who were eagerly looking forward to UFC's first-ever visit to Saudi Arabia. The bout was set to be the main event of the evening, adding to the significance of the occasion. A sincere apology was extended to the UFC, including president Dana White, matchmakers Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby, and Hunter Campbell. The team also expressed regret to His Highness Mr. Turkialalshik and Whittaker and his team.

Chimaev's training partner, UFC lightweight Guram Kutateladze, shared an image on his Instagram story showing Chimaev hospitalized, further confirming the severity of the situation. It is evident that the fighter's health is the priority, and the team is committed to uncovering the cause of the illness to ensure a strong comeback.

For Chimaev, who had a record-breaking start to his UFC career in 2020, this setback adds to a series of fight cancellations. His last fight took place in October at UFC 294, where he narrowly defeated Kamaru Usman. Since then, Chimaev has faced a string of unfortunate events, preventing him from competing further.

As a result of Chimaev's withdrawal, a new headliner has been announced for UFC on ABC 6. Robert Whittaker will now face Ikram Aliskerov in the main event. This matchup ensures that the fans will still witness an exciting fight night, despite the disappointment surrounding Chimaev's absence.

While the exact rescheduling of Chimaev's return to the octagon is uncertain at this time, it is clear that health remains the top priority. As soon as he is deemed healthy and ready, his highly anticipated return will be immediately rescheduled.

Fans and supporters can stay updated on the latest developments regarding UFC on ABC 6 by visiting MMA Junkie's event hub. Engaging with fellow mixed martial arts enthusiasts, they can also join the discussions on the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel.

Although unforeseen circumstances have forced Chimaev out of the event, the MMA community remains hopeful for his swift recovery and future success in the octagon.