5 best Khamzat Chimaev finishes outside the UFC
![Khamzat Chimaev at a BRAVE CF event [Image via @bravemmaf on Twitter]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/03/b050d-16485469985531-1920.jpg?w=500)
Khamzat Chimaev is a phenom unlike any other we've ever seen in the sport of mixed martial arts. The undefeated Russian-born Swede has barrelled through every opponent he's faced in his professional career and there's no way to properly ascertain what his ceiling really is.
Chimaev broke onto the scene with a pair of dominant performances in Abu Dhabi in 2020. He followed this up with a 17-second KO against UFC veteran Gerald Meerschaert, a first-round submission win over ranked welterweight contender Li Jingliang and a unanimous decision triumph over top-ranked contender Gilbert Burns.
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Chimaev came into the UFC boasting a professional record of just 6-0, comprising six finishes. Before signing with the world's premier MMA promotion, 'Borz' fought for Sweden's Fight Club Rush and Bahrain's BRAVE CF.
His incredible performances in the aforementioned promotions saw him receive a call from the UFC relatively early on in his career. On that note, we thought we'd rank his five best finishes outside the UFC.
#5. Khamzat Chimaev vs. Marko Kisic
In his third professional fight, Khamzat Chimaev took on undefeated Austrian ace Marko Kisic at BRAVE CF 18. Chimaev was just 24 at the time and was making his promotional debut against Kisic, who was two years older than 'Borz'. They squared off in Manama, Bahrain, in 2018.
The fight was a barnburner for as long as it lasted. From the opening bell, Chimaev walked down Kisic, putting him on the back-foot with relentless forward pressure. The duo found themselves trading in the pocket less than 20 seconds into the bout.
Despite dropping Kisic multiple times, Chimaev refused to engage with the Austrian on the mat. Rather, he kept telling him to get back up after every knockdown. Three minutes into the fight, 'Borz' landed a takedown and proceeded to drop some vicious ground-and-pound strikes, prompting the referee to call a halt to the action.
Watch the Khamzat Chimaev vs. Marko Kisic fight below: