Manager: Khamzat Chimaev retirement rumors 'absolutely not true'

(Photo credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports)

Khamzat Chimaev's manager shot down retirement rumors after the fighter withdrew due to an illness from this Saturday's UFC on ABC 6 event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Chimaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC), who was reportedly hospitalized, pulled out of the marquee match against Robert Whittaker (25-7, 16-5). He will be replaced by middleweight contender Ikram Aliskerov (15-1, 2-0).

Chim