Khamzat Chimaev ally Ramzan Kadyrov earns words of praise for recent gesture
Ramzan Kadyrov, a longtime acquaintance of UFC star Khamzat Chimaev, has earned words of high praise for his recent gesture. The laudation happens to come from another well-known combat sports athlete.
For years, Ramzan Akhmatovich Kadyrov has served as the 'Head of the Chechen Republic.' His supporters often praise him for helping athletes and others of Chechen descent with financial assistance and other benefactions.
The 48-year-old was notably in attendance for the undisputed light heavyweight title boxing showdown between Russian-Canadian Artur Beterbiev and Russian Dmitry Bivol.
The event transpired at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 12, 2024. The Chechen politician was acknowledged by Beterbiev and joined the boxer in his post-fight celebrations after he defeated Bivol via majority decision.
Artur Beterbiev was born in a Chechen family in the neighboring Dagestan. Beterbiev's boxing career went from strength to strength over the years. Eventually, he chose to move from his native Russia to Canada, where he's resided for well over a decade.
As reported by Sportbox.ru, Beterbiev was recently bestowed the title of honorary citizen of the Chechen Republic by Ramzan Kadyrov. The latter posted about it on his Telegram handle, and Beterbiev accepted the title with a post on Telegram. The 39-year-old fighter wrote:
"Dear Ramzan Akhmatovich! My dear brother! There are no words that could express my pride in you as the leader of our people and a person who has done so much for the development of sports, among other things! Thanks to you, your long-term support and motivation, all my successes have become possible!"
Additionally, the undisputed light heavyweight champion thanked Ramzan Kadyrov for the reception he arranged in his honor. Beterbiev reiterated that his achievements in the sports world and development as a boxer were due to Kadyrov's contributions.
The KO artist added that he'll never tire of thanking the Chechen leader for everything he's done for him and continues to do. He added:
"It is with great honor that I accept the title of honorary citizen of the Chechen Republic."
Beterbiev put forth a similar statement in an Instagram post, which featured footage from his homecoming reception in Chechnya.
Check out the footage and Beterbiev's statement in the post below:
Khamzat Chimaev congratulates Artur Beterbiev, expresses respect for Ramzan Kadyrov
Ramzan Kadyrov has time and again faced criticism for allegedly perpetrating crimes in Chechnya and beyond. Kadyrov has been accused of operating an oppressive regime, facilitating human rights violations, and more.
Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev was born in Chechnya and moved to Sweden at a young age, where he trained and extensively competed in wrestling and MMA. 'Borz' eventually moved to the U.A.E., which is the country he currently represents.
The 30-year-old Khamzat Chimaev is considered one of Ramzan Kadyrov's most high-profile supporters and often partakes in social events with Kadyrov in Chechnya and other regions. The politician had also attended the UFC star's marriage back in 2022.
While his association with Kadyrov has elicited criticism from some, Chimaev has remained steadfast in his public support for him.
In a recent Instagram post, Chimaev attached a statement congratulating Artur Beterbiev. Furthermore, the MMA stalwart underscored his respect for Kadyrov, highlighting that the political leader has played a vital role in helping Beterbiev.
Check out Chimaev's post below: