Chimaev Confirms Hand Injuries After Years Of Powerful Punching

Khamzat Chimaev needs time away from the Octagon to repair his hands after years of punishing power punching caught up with him.

The former UFC middleweight champion told MMA Fighting that chronic hand issues will force him out for the next month or two. "I punch hard so I always have problems with my hands and I have to fix it," he said.

Chimaev, 32, clarified that the layoff is not tied to any serious structural damage. "It's not crazy big injuries where you need to be off from sparring," he added, per MMA Mania. "If I do break off, it's going to be one or two months. Still going to be doing recovery, training."

The Chechen-born fighter has not stopped an opponent inside the distance in six years, though he recently destroyed a heavy bag in a training session that went viral. His hand troubles have been a recurring theme throughout his career despite a 15-1 record.

While Chimaev recovers, a potential Sean Strickland rematch with Nassourdine Imavov could determine the next challenger for Strickland's middleweight strap. Chimaev is expected back in full training by late November.