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In a display of extraordinary grit and determination, Khamzat Chimaev overcame adversity and secured a title shot despite suffering a torn ligament in his hand during a hard-fought majority decision win over Kamaru Usman at UFC 294.
The injury occurred during the dominant first round, which saw Chimaev receive unanimous 10-8 scores from the judges against the former welterweight champion. Usman had accepted the fight on short notice after Paulo Costa's withdrawal due to a staph infection in his elbow. Chimaev initially feared he had broken his hand, which led to a less aggressive offense for the rest of the fight.
However, the diagnosis revealed a torn ligament in Chimaev's hand, as confirmed by his manager, Majdi Shammas. Chimaev will need to wear a brace for the next three to four weeks before beginning rehabilitation. Surgery is not expected at this point, but a reassessment will be carried out after the brace is removed.
Chimaev's hard-fought victory not only preserved his undefeated record but also earned him a promise of a middleweight title shot. UFC CEO Dana White made the announcement ahead of the event, though an official decision from the UFC is still pending.
Should it come to fruition, the title shot would set up a showdown between Chimaev and the new champion, Sean Strickland, in 2024. In the meantime, Chimaev will rest and recover from his hand injury while anticipating word from the UFC regarding his title shot chances in the coming year.
Chimaev's incredible determination and ability to secure a title opportunity in the face of adversity serve as a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in his journey.