Where is Khamzat Chimaev now?

By Ali Hammad December 07, 2023 09:17

Khamzat Chimaev, a professional mixed martial artist and freestyle wrestler, has been making waves in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known for his impressive skills and dominant performances, Chimaev has garnered attention and praise from fellow UFC fighters. But where is Khamzat Chimaev now? Let's delve into his current whereabouts and the challenges he faces.

From Russia to Sweden

Khamzat Chimaev was born in Russia and began his wrestling journey at the age of five. He quickly established himself as a formidable force in the sport and became a three-time Swedish National champion in freestyle wrestling. At the age of 18, Chimaev immigrated to Sweden, where he continued to train and hone his skills at the renowned Allstars Training Center in Stockholm. It was during his time in Sweden that Chimaev's potential in mixed martial arts (MMA) started to take shape.

A Rising Star in MMA

Chimaev made his professional MMA debut in 2018 and competed in the Brave Combat Federation before joining the UFC. Since then, he has showcased his talent and determination with notable wins by knockout and submission. Chimaev's success in the UFC's Middleweight division has put him on a path towards potential greatness.

Travel Restrictions and the UAE

In recent times, Khamzat Chimaev has faced unique challenges due to travel restrictions. As a Russian-born athlete with ties to Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov, Chimaev has encountered difficulties entering certain countries. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has exacerbated these challenges, making it even more complex for Chimaev to travel using his Russian passport. In response, Chimaev made a strategic move by relocating to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to improve his travel situation. The UAE provides him with an opportunity to obtain a special passport, which could potentially ease his travel restrictions and open doors for future fights.

Potential Clash with Kamaru Usman

One of the most anticipated matchups for Khamzat Chimaev is a potential clash with Kamaru Usman, a top-ranked UFC fighter. This No. 1 contender clash is scheduled to take place at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. However, Chimaev's ability to enter the United States, where many UFC events are held, remains uncertain due to travel restrictions. The UFC plans to have the winner of the Chimaev vs. Usman fight challenge middleweight champion Sean Strickland for the title. How Chimaev's travel limitations will be addressed and whether he can compete in the United States remains to be seen.

The Journey Continues

Despite the challenges he faces, Khamzat Chimaev remains determined to pursue his MMA career and make a mark in the Middleweight division of the UFC. His move to the UAE in search of a special passport reflects his commitment to overcoming obstacles and reaching his full potential. Chimaev's journey from Russia to Sweden to the UAE showcases his resilience and unwavering dedication to his craft.

Khamzat Chimaev, the Russian-born professional mixed martial artist and freestyle wrestler, can now be found in the United Arab Emirates. Chimaev's decision to relocate to the UAE was driven by travel restrictions and his desire to improve his ability to compete in the UFC. With potential matchups against top-ranked fighters on the horizon, Chimaev's journey in the Middleweight division continues to captivate fans and fellow athletes alike. As the story of Khamzat Chimaev unfolds, it remains to be seen how he will overcome the challenges and carve his path to success in the world of MMA.