Khamzat chimaev
| name = Khamzat Chimaev
| image = Khamzat chimaev.jpg
| caption = Chimaev in 2022
| birth_name = Khamzat Khizarovich Girikanov
| other_names = Borz (The Chechen wolf)
| native_name = Chechen: Чимаев Хизаран кӏант Хамзат
| birth_date = 1 May 1994
| birth_place = Gvardeyskoye, Chechen Republic, Russia
| nationality = Russian; Emirati
| height = Template:Height
| weight = 183 lb
| weight_class = Middleweight (2018–2020, 2023–present)
Welterweight (2018–2022)
| reach = 75 in (190 cm)
| stance = Orthodox
| fighting_out_of = Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| team = Allstars Training Center (2017–2023)
Fight Club Akhmat
| rank = Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Alan Nascimento
| years_active = 2015–present (Freestyle wrestling)
2018–present (MMA)
| sherdog = 280021
| medaltemplates =
Template:Medal
Template:Medal
Template:Medal
Template:Medal
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| show-medals = yes
| native_name_lang = Chechen
}}
Khamzat Chimaev  | |
|---|---|
Chechen: Чимаев Хизаран кӏант Хамзат | |
 Chimaev in 2022 | |
| Born | Khamzat Khizarovich Girikanov 1 May 1994 Gvardeyskoye, Chechen Republic, Russia |
| Nationality | Russian; Emirati |
| Other names | Borz (The Chechen wolf) |
| Years active | 2015–present (Freestyle wrestling) 2018–present (MMA) |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Website | khamzatborz |
Early life and career
Khamzat Chimaev was born on 1 May 1994 in Gvardeyskoye, Chechen Republic, Russia, into a conservative Muslim Chechen family. He began wrestling at the age of five in his hometown. During his youth, he competed in regional wrestling competitions and reportedly earned medals at junior national level events in Russia. In 2013, at the age of 18, he moved to Sweden with his mother, where he later joined his older brother.
Combat sports career
Wrestling
After relocating to Sweden, Chimaev trained at several wrestling clubs including BK Athén. He quickly became one of the top freestyle wrestlers in the country. He won multiple Swedish national championships in different weight classes, including gold medals in 2015, 2016, and 2018.
Across his national competition appearances, he remained undefeated with dominant performances, recording multiple technical falls and pins while heavily outscoring opponents. He also competed in judo tournaments and participated in combat sambo matches.
In 2021, he competed in a freestyle wrestling match against UFC fighter Jack Hermansson, winning on points.
In 2026, it was announced that Chimaev signed with Real American Freestyle.
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Chimaev began training in mixed martial arts at the age of 23 at Allstars Training Center in Stockholm. He trained alongside several elite fighters, including Alexander Gustafsson, Ilir Latifi, and Reza Madadi.
He made his amateur MMA debut between 2017 and 2018, finishing undefeated with a 3–0 record. He then turned professional in 2018, winning his debut fight via technical knockout.
Brave Combat Federation
Chimaev signed with Brave Combat Federation after his early professional fights in Sweden. He made his promotional debut in 2018 and quickly established himself as a dominant competitor, earning multiple first-round finishes by knockout and submission.
He competed in both welterweight and middleweight divisions during his time in Brave CF, earning a reputation for fast finishes and aggressive grappling.
A scheduled title fight in 2020 was canceled after he signed with the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Chimaev made his UFC debut in 2020 and quickly gained attention with a series of dominant performances across both middleweight and welterweight divisions. He recorded multiple finishes within his first few months in the promotion, setting records for consecutive wins in a short time span.
After a period of inactivity due to health issues related to COVID-19, he returned to competition in 2021 and continued his winning streak with victories over several high-level opponents.
He later faced top-ranked fighters including Gilbert Burns, Kamaru Usman, Robert Whittaker, and Dricus du Plessis. His victory over Dricus du Plessis earned him the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2025.
Chimaev is scheduled to defend his title against Sean Strickland in 2026.
Training
Chimaev has trained primarily at Allstars Training Center in Sweden and later in the United Arab Emirates. He has trained alongside several UFC fighters and is known for high-intensity training sessions, sometimes multiple times per day during fight camps.
Fighting style
Chimaev is known for his dominant freestyle wrestling base, which he uses to control opponents on the ground. He applies heavy top pressure, ground-and-pound, and submission attempts.
He also incorporates striking into his style, using boxing combinations and powerful punches to set up takedowns. His aggressive style allows him to transition between striking and grappling effectively.
Personal life
Chimaev worked in a poultry factory and security roles before becoming a full-time professional fighter. He has an older brother who is also involved in wrestling.
He moved from Sweden to the United Arab Emirates in 2023 and later received Emirati citizenship. He has also been closely associated with Chechen leadership figures.
He married in 2022 in Chechnya.
Championships and accomplishments
Ultimate Fighting Championship
- UFC Middleweight Champion
- Fight of the Night (1 time)
- Performance of the Night (6 times)
- First Chechen-born UFC champion
- Record for fastest consecutive wins in modern UFC history
- Record for quickest three-fight win streak in UFC history
Freestyle wrestling
- 3× Swedish National Champion
- Multiple gold medals in national competitions