Fighter Profile: Khamzat Chimaev

Over the last two years Khamzat Chimaev has created quite the name for himself. The Russian born freestyle wrestler has smashed all of his competition while in the MMA cage. Chiamaev has an interesting problem, since he has smashed all of his competition no one will take on Chiamaev. He is that good. He’s been compared to Khabib Nurmogamedov and if he can string together a string a few more wins in the UFC Octagon together he may find himself in the cage with current Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman.

Chimaev was born on May 1, 1994 in Beno-Yurt, Chechnya, Russia. Chimaev started wrestling at the age of five and still challenges people to wrestling matches till this day. Chimaev won a bronze medal at the Russian National Championships at the junior level.  Chimaev left Russia at the age of 18 and immigrated to Sweden where his family was.  Chimaev was often considered one of the best wrestlers in the country and he had an undefeated record in wrestling matches with a perfect 12-0 record. He also competed in Judo and Sambo where he holds a 3-0 record.

At age 23 Chimaev decided to pursue MMA and made his amauture debut in September of 2017.He’d make his professional debut eight months later after compiling an impressive perfect 3-0  amature record. He made his pro debut on May 26, 2018. His opponent was Gard Olve Sagen. Chimaev would win via TKO (punches) in round two. In his next fight he’d face Ole Magnor he’d secure the victory via Technical Submission (rear-naked choke.) He’d then face Marko Kisič and would win via TKO (punches.) Chimaev would continue his dominant ways and win his next three.

 His impressive 6-0 record caught the eye of the UFC who signed him to a deal. Chimaev made his UFC debut on July 16th, 2020 against John Phillips and would secure the victory via Submission (D’Arce choke.) He’d go on to face Rhys McKee on ten days rest and would beat him via TKO (punches.) In September of 2020 Chimaev would go on to face Gerald Meerschaert, he’d win by Knockout. Thirteen months later he’d face Li Jingliang at UFC 267 in October of 2021 where he’d win via Technical Submission (rear-naked choke.) This victory would move Chimaev to a perfect 10-0.

It is not known who Chimaev will face next. He is currently ranked 11th in the welterweight division. He is at an interesting point in his career where he is getting dodged and noone wants to face him, we’ll see who is next for him, because he is one of the promotion’s biggest upcoming stars.