Report - Khamzat Chimaev Out Of UFC Vegas 21 Headliner With Leon Edwards On March 13th.

Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger - Zuffa LLC

Well, it won't prove to be third time lucky for a much-anticipated welterweight pairing of surging perennial contender, Leon Edwards and the captivating emerging challenger, Khamzat Chimaev. 

According to a report from ESPN MMA reporter, Brett Okamoto tonight, Chechen-born finisher, Chimaev has once more been forced to withdraw from a matchup with Team Renagade BJJ & MMA trainee, Edwards on March 13th. at UFC Vegas 21 -- citing more physical issues amid his positive COVID-19 test result late last year.

AllStars MMA trainee, Chimaev was slated to headline his first promotional event at UFC Vegas 17 on December 19th. -- until a particularly debilitating case of COVID-19 forced Edwards' withdrawal. Chimaev was subsequently removed from the event entirely in favour of a rescheduling against the Birmingham native.

Rebooked for UFC Fight Island 8 on January 20th. -- lingering lung issues stemming from Chimaev's positive test result prevented him from being medically cleared to compete and prepare for his fight with Edwards. The #3 ranked contender was also removed from proceedings as the UFC reworked the tie. 

As per Okamoto's report, per UFC president, Dana White -- the promotion is expected to move on from the attempted matchup of Edwards and Chimaev whilst the latter recovers, with the former likely in line to match with a new opponent, possibly on a new date. 

An exciting prospect, Chimaev had blasted through the trio of John Philips, Rhys McKee, and Gerald Meerschaert between the months of July and September -- while Edwards has embarked on a stunning eight-fight unbeaten run, most recently taking home a unanimous decision win over former lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Fight Night San Antonio back in July of 2019.