Khamzat Chimaev is one of the most exciting and dangerous UFC prospects in recent times. Coming from the land of Chechnya, Russia, Chimaev has made a massive name for himself in a very short period of time. The 28-year-old made his debut in the UFC back in July 2020 and since then has racked up six straight victories that include five finishes and the same number of fight-night bonuses.
The UFC roaster consists of fighters from all around the world, but Russia is one country that outshines them all. Russia has given UFC numerous champions. The biggest star of them all being Khabib ‘The Eagle’ Nurmagomedov. Khamzat Chimaev comes from the same country and is another fighter with the potential to be a world champion. Will he succeed? Only time will tell.
Is Khamzat Chimaev related to Khabib Nurmagomedov?
Although Chimaev and Nurmagomedov belong to the same Caucasus region of Russia, they are not really blood-related. The questions that are raised about them being blood-related are mainly because of the closeness of their homeland Chechnya and Dagestan.
Recently at UFC 280, Khamzat Chimaev was even involved in a little scuffle with one of Khabib’s cousins Abubakar Nurmagomedov as he later had to be restrained by the security, talking about his relationship with Khabib, Borz explained, “I always feel cool with Khabib. Everyone thinking like I had some problems with Khabib. I’ve never had some problems.”
‘Borz’ has previously stated how his mother too is a fan of Khabib and how she got worried at the prospect of her son taking on the former lightweight champion in some fashion. The similarities people draw between the two fighters is probably owing to them being part of the same religion, country, and sharing a similar beard style.
How Khamzat Chimaev met Khabib Nurmagomedov?
Although it’s not clear when Chimaev and Khabib first met, considering their similar backgrounds it can be determined that they would have certainly crossed paths pretty earlier in their lives and career. Khabib’s teammates have also claimed that the two Russians have trained together in the past.
The initially suspected conflict between ‘The Eagle’ and ‘Borz’ happened when Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov claimed Khabib to be a UFC project. Chimaev weighed in on the comments saying, “We’ll tear him apart if he wants,”. This is when Abubakar Nurmagomedov dropped a hint about Chimaev’s past involvement with the Dagestanis,
“Khamzat, I see you changed your clothes quickly: after moving to Sweden and writing a complaint to your own Chechen Republic that you are being harassed there – you received documents for a good life in Sweden. But now gaining glory, you, I look changed, now you’re back and living in Chechnya, and all is well with you.”
He continued, “I am happy for you. Don’t lose that comfort zone. Not long ago in America, you sat and ate with us at the same table, worked out in the same hall, went to the mosque together, and called us brothers. And now you write that you’re going to tear someone up. Yes, I agree, everyone has the right to express their opinion. But be careful with what you say.”
Judging by such statements it is safe to say that Chimaev indeed was involved with Khabib at one point despite there not being any blood relation between them.
When is Khamzat Chimaev fighting next?
Chimaev at one point was the most active fighter in the UFC, but since submitting Kevin Holland back in September 2022 at UFC 279, the 28-year seems to have taken a break from the fight game. Although he could be seen calling out various fighters on Twitter, there is still no official date or opponent for Chimaev yet.
Recently UFC president Dana White, when asked about the future of Chimaev said, “Yeah, he’ll [Khamzat Chimaev] fight at middleweight. And yes, he’s in a position where he should be fighting top 3 guys in the world.”
Considering the weight-cut issues Chimaev has suffered in the past, this seems to be the right move going forward and with the skills and strength he possesses, he can certainly be a big problem for the middleweights.
