Khamzat Chimaev reveals health problems and delicate surgery to continue in the UFC

Chimaev at a press conference UFC 308. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram / Khamzat Shimaev

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One of the biggest stars in the UFC today, Khamzat Shimaev surprised everyone by revealing details about his health. The Swede, who is close to a shot at the middleweight belt (up to 83,9kg), admitted to having faced a series of health problems, including the removal of half of his thyroid gland.

“I had five or six surgeries and seven to eight fractures. I reconstructed myself. Doctors told me several times that I would not be able to fight. Well, I have proven them wrong so far. I had some problems before the fight with Usman as well. I just didn’t tell anyone about it. I had a fever and we even considered pulling out. When your immune system is weak, you can get some infections. They removed half of my thyroid gland,” Chimaev revealed in an interview with Adam Zubayraev.

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Chimaev’s revelation about having his thyroid partially removed raises questions about the exact nature of his health problems. While the fighter did not elaborate on the specific condition, the link between a weakened immune system and thyroid problems suggests the possibility of an autoimmune disease.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy cells. In the case of the thyroid, this can lead to problems such as hypothyroidism (underproduction of thyroid hormones) or hyperthyroidism (overproduction of these hormones). In some cases, the gland may be damaged to the point that it needs partial or complete removal.