Is Khamzat Chimaev Russian or Swedish?
Khamzat Chimaev is a Russian-born Swedish mixed martial artist. He has represented Sweden-based AllStars Training Center for the majority of his MMA career, leading many to believe that he is Swedish.
However, Chimaev's accent and fighting style have similarities to Caucasian fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, which has confused many fight fans. This article sheds light on his cultural background tries to eliminate the confusion.
Is Khamzat Chimaev Russian or Swedish?
Chimaev was born in Chechnya, Russia on May 1, 1994. The 30-year-old moved to Sweden when he was 19. His older brother used to work in the Scandinavian nation and was the influence behind 'Borz' starting to wrestle.
He has won multiple freestyle wrestling championships in Sweden and started training in MMA there.
While speaking to ESPN MMA's Brett Okamoto, here's what Chimaev said about his decision to move to Sweden:
"My brother was living here. He told us come here, it's good for us. And our one brorther he has like surgery as well. So that helps him like when we come directly. After that we stay here, we like it and they help us a lot as well."
Watch Khamzat Chimaev's interview with ESPN MMA below:
Khamzat Chimaev shifted the base to UAE in 2023
Khamzat Chimaev rose to prominence in MMA during his time in Sweden. But he left the country due to alleged disagreements about higher taxes and some Swedish laws. It has also been alleged that Chimaev took issues with Sweden's policies regarding freedom of speech.
A few months ago, Chimaev switched sides and pledged his allegiance to the United Arab Emirates. 'Borz' received UAE citizenship in the process and will now represent the country in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. Chimaev's manager Majdi Shammas told Swedish media about the move:
"He has emigrated, he is no longer Swedish."
Chimaev shifted his camp to Dubai and he has been training there. UFC 294 marked the first time that Chimaev officially represented the UAE inside the octagon. He won the back-and-forth contest by majority decision.
Chimaev will return to competition against former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in a potential title eliminator bout at UFC 308 on Oct. 26. The event will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE.