Khamzat Chimaev Suffers Hand Ligament Tear After UFC 294 Win

Khamzat Chimaev sustained a torn ligament in his right hand at UFC 294 event.

Following his victory over Kamaru Usman, a unanimous decision in UFC 294 event, Chimaev expressed concerns that he may have broken his right hand.

Chimaev’s manager, Majdi Shammas, told ESPN that Chimaev did not break his hand but did suffer a torn ligament. He will wear a brace for the next four weeks before reassessing the injury. At the moment, it does not appear he will require surgery.

Update on Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) https://t.co/XnT53qvjOG

— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) October 29, 2023

Chimaev was initially set to fight Paulo Costa, but on short notice, Usman, stepped in for the fight after Costa had to withdraw due to injury, with only 10 days’ notice.

Ahead of their middleweight bout, Dana White suggested the winner would challenge new champ Sean Strickland, who beat Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 event. Strickland expressed doubts about Chimaev’s title shot eligibility, but UFC appears to be planning it, and Chimaev’s hand injury won’t hinder the fight.

UFC officials have not released any statements regarding Chimaev’s injury, his return timeline, or future plans involving Strickland.