Exclusive: Guram Kutateladze shares latest update on Khamzat Chimaev and his health issues: "In Caucasus Mountains, breathing fresh air"

Guram Kutateladze recently opened up about Khamzat Chimaev's health issues and provided an update on his close friend's return to the octagon. 'Borz' was unfortunately forced to pull out his fight against Robert Whittaker at UFC Saudi Arabia and there had been uncertainty on his status.

This wasn't the first time that the surging middleweight contender had been dealing with health issues as he had a well documented battle with COVID that resulted in a lengthy absence. 'Borz' missed out on an incredible opportunity as he could have potentially secured a middleweight title shot if he had fought Whittaker and earned an impressive win.

During an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA's James Lynch, Kutateladze provided an optimistic update regarding his friend's status and noted that he has improved. The 32-year-old mentioned that Chimaev has taken a positive approach and is targeting a UFC return in the near future. He said:

"We have to keep positive thoughts, positive mentality. He [Chimaev] is feeling better. Now he have been for a few weeks in Caucasus Mountains, breathing fresh air, mountain air and training there with his team...and I think boxing national team too...Hopefully as he said himself we're gonna see him in Abu Dhabi in October and I'm sure 100% he's gonna be ready as always, energized." [6:54 - 7:36]

Check out Guram Kutateladze's comments regarding Khamzat Chimaev below:

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Guram Kutateladze sounds off on social media backlash toward Khamzat Chimaev

In addition to providing an update on his close friend's health status, Guram Kutateladze sounded off on the social media backlash toward Khamzat Chimaev following his withdrawal from UFC Saudi Arabia.

During the aforementioned interview, Kutateladze took aim at fans that jumped to conclusions when Chimaev was ill and mentioned that it's important to understand the severity before passing judgment. He said:

"People always talk. You cannot listen to all this small talk and all these critics. You gotta focus on your thing. Otherwise, these people [are] gonna pull you down...You ignore...bullsh*t and focus on your goals and on your dreams." [7:57 - 8:20]

Check out photos of Guram Kutateladze and Khamzat Chimaev training together below: