Khamzat Chimaev says he could take a break from UFC competition if he is not offered a fight before the end of the year as he looks to address a number of lingering injuries.

The former UFC middleweight champion had initially targeted a return to action in Abu Dhabi in October but has suggested he could instead undergo treatment for health issues which he says he has carried into previous fights.

“If nothing happens in October or December, I think I’ll take a little break,” said Chimaev, speaking to Adam Zubayraev as noted by Sherdog. “I have a lot of injuries that I need to get treated.”

Chimaev said he has repeatedly delayed undergoing surgery in order to continue competing and does not want to keep entering fights while dealing with physical issues. “I’ve been putting off my surgeries, putting them off, putting them off, and I go into every fight with some kind of problem,” he said.

“I don’t really like talking about my problems or injuries. People already know that I get sick often. That’s just how it is with me,” Chimaev added.

Chimaev has been pushing for a middleweight title shot and a rematch with current champion Sean Strickland, while Nassourdine Imavov has been strongly linked with the next championship opportunity. If Chimaev is to compete again before the end of 2026, he could therefore be required to face another leading contender at 185-pounds.