The highly anticipated UFC welterweight match between Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev on March 13 has been eliminated. Again.
UFC President Dana White told ESPN on Thursday that Chimaev was forced to pull out of the fight due to ongoing physical effects caused by COVID-19. White said Chimaev has a problem with his lungs and will be on medication again.
“I’m so amazed. I was so excited. That was one of my favorite fights this year,” White told ESPN. ‘All you have to look at now is health. Let’s make sure this man is healthy, give him the best possible care, and make sure he makes a full recovery. ‘
This is the third time the fight has failed. The two were scheduled to fight on December 19, but Edwards pulled out with COVID-19. Chimaev withdrew from a newly scheduled date of January 20 for the same reason.
White told ESPN that the promotion should leave the matchup while Chimaev recovers. Edwards is expected to book another opponent and possibly move to a new date.
Chimaev, who fights from Sweden, was a breakout star for the UFC in 2020. He made his promotional debut in July, sending John Phillips in the second round. He turned and fought Rhys McKee just 10 days later, winning that fight via TKO. He then took out Gerald Meerschaert in just 17 seconds in September.