Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev arrived in the Ultimate Fighting Championship like a whirlwind in 2020, tearing through opponents with rare intensity. His rapid ascent — three dominant wins in just 66 days — immediately positioned him as a future champion and a genuine phenomenon. While he remains undefeated, a severe bout with COVID-19 and subsequent physical setbacks have complicated his trajectory, slowing the seemingly inevitable march to gold.
Now, the long-awaited title opportunity is finally here. At UFC 319, Chimaev is set to face Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis in what is arguably the biggest fight of his career. However, adding a surprising layer of intrigue to this high-stakes encounter is a suggestion from a divisional peer that this fight might not just be about winning a title, but potentially about stepping away from the sport altogether.
Whispers from a Contender
The notion that Khamzat Chimaev might retire after UFC 319 comes courtesy of fellow middleweight contender Caio Borralho. Speaking recently, Borralho indicated he had “heard somewhere” whispers suggesting that a championship victory for Chimaev could mark the end of his fighting journey. While acknowledging the speculative nature of the claim, Borralho admitted, “I think so. There’s some little talks, some whispers about that. If he wins the belt, he retires.”
Borralho didn`t just relay gossip; he offered his own rationale for why this scenario might be plausible. He pointed to the immense pressure that has accompanied Chimaev`s rise — pressure stemming from lofty expectations and, in Borralho`s words, “a lot of pressure from his country.” He also referenced Chimaev`s ongoing health struggles, noting that the physical toll of fighting and past illnesses could play a role.
Furthermore, Borralho highlighted Chimaev`s financial standing. “He has a lot of money already. A lot of money — he’s good with money,” Borralho observed. For Borralho, this financial security, combined with the potential achievement of becoming a UFC champion, could logically lead Chimaev to conclude he has accomplished what he set out to do. Offering a rather blunt, pragmatic view, Borralho stated, “So there will be no something that’s going to make him want to fight. He’ll already be champion, so why not retire? I would do the same. I would do the same if I was him, with his money that he has.”
The Title Challenge: A Path to Gold or a Grueling Test?
Of course, any talk of retirement hinges entirely on the outcome of the UFC 319 main event. Chimaev must first defeat the reigning champion, Dricus du Plessis. Borralho, despite admitting a history of betting against Du Plessis and losing, offered a breakdown of the fight`s potential dynamics.
He believes Chimaev is capable of ending the fight very quickly, perhaps even within the first few minutes, similar to the speed at which Du Plessis defeated Robert Whittaker. “I think it can be very, very fast,” Borralho stated.
However, Borralho also sees a path for Du Plessis should the fight extend into the later rounds. He suggested that if Chimaev struggles to maintain control or expends significant energy in grappling exchanges — a distinct possibility against the physically strong Du Plessis — the championship rounds could become exceedingly difficult. “If Chimaev has some trouble to maintain him on the floor or does a lot of strain and wastes a lot of energy with that, three more rounds against Dricus when you’re tired? It’s a f*cking nightmare,” he said candidly.
While Borralho stressed Chimaev`s fighting spirit — predicting he would “fight until the end” due to his pride — he believes Chimaev`s early dominance might fade if the fight becomes a drawn-out war.
More Than Just a Title Fight?
Caio Borralho`s comments add a compelling, albeit speculative, dimension to the already highly anticipated UFC 319 main event. Is the idea of retirement after a potential win a serious consideration within Chimaev`s camp, fueled by the physical and mental toll of his career so far, or is it merely locker-room chatter? Only time, and perhaps the outcome of the fight itself, will tell.
Regardless of what the future holds, the clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis for the UFC Middleweight Championship on August 16th in Chicago stands as a monumental event. For Chimaev, it`s a chance to finally capture the title that has seemed within reach for years. And according to one rival, it might just be the final chapter.
