Fans fear for Khamzat Chimaev after insane body transformation as UFC star shows off bulked up biceps and ripped abs

KHAMZAT CHIMAEV's dramatic body transformation has left UFC fans absolutely stunned.

The surging welterweight contender hasn't set foot inside the octagon in nearly a year - with his last outing taking place at UFC 279.

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Chimaev, however, hasn't been resting on his laurels during his hiatus - putting in the work at the gym.

And the Russian wrecking machine is now boasting a fuller physique ahead of his eagerly-anticipated middleweight debut.

Borz shared a photo of himself shadowboxing inside an octagon with his 452,000 Twitter followers on Thursday morning.

And fans were quick to comment on his new bigger and bulkier frame.

One tweeted: "Dud[e] is looking massive."

Another said: "War ready."

And another said: "There is no way he can make 170 right now. Look how huge he looks."

One remarked: "Looking massive."

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Another chimed in: "He's never making it to welterweight again."

One concerned Chimaev fan, however, said: "Hopefully he makes the weight."

Chimaev, 29, hasn't set foot inside the cage since his UFC 279 showdown with Kevin Holland last September.

He was initially due to face Nate Diaz but missed the welterweight non-title fight limit by a staggering seven and a half pounds.

His stunning weight miss prompted calls for him to move up to middleweight, a division he'll debut in this October.

MMA's top promotion have matched up the charismatic Chechen against former 185lb title challenger Paulo Costa.

The pair's showdown will serve as the co-main event for a stacked UFC 294 card in Abu Dhabi on October 21.

A lightweight title rematch between former and current champions Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira tops the bill at the Etihad Arena.