Khamzat Chimaev: UAE Citizen, UFC Star, and Ready for His Next Fight in Abu Dhabi

Some fighters possess an almost palpable aura, projecting a sense of impending doom that intimidates opponents with unwavering confidence. Khamzat Chimaev embodies this, much like a prime Mike Tyson, with a belief so strong it seems his opponents are already defeated before the bout begins. His viral vow to “kill everybody” after defeating Li Jingliang at UFC 267, a fight where he famously carried his opponent across the octagon to dump him before UFC President Dana White, announced his arrival to the wider MMA world. Many have avoided him, intimidated by his predatory stare and unsettling demeanor, which leaves opponents appearing frozen in fear.

However, the formidable presence is absent when we meet at the Abu Dhabi Martial Arts club. Children surround him, eager to interact, and he warmly greets the assembled media before changing for interviews. The discussion centers on his upcoming appearance at RAF Abu Dhabi, the freestyle wrestling organization making its Middle East debut. This event signifies the start of a five-year collaboration between RAF, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and the UAE Wrestling Federation. Chimaev was initially slated to face Colby Covington for the Cruiserweight Crossover Championship, but Covington withdrew due to injury, with former UFC champion Chris Weidman stepping in to challenge for the Light Heavyweight Crossover Championship.

RAF (Real American Freestyle) aims for market expansion, and Chimaev, a devout Muslim who became a UAE citizen in 2025, was a natural choice to headline their Abu Dhabi debut. Born in Chechnya in 1994, he moved to Sweden as a teenager but never obtained citizenship. His Russian passport created travel difficulties for international competitions. He relocated to Dubai in 2023, began representing the UAE later that year, and was naturalized in early 2025. Chimaev expresses deep affection for the UAE, his adopted home. "I've been here many times before I get the decision [of citizenship]. Even before UFC, I've worked here before [in a rival organisation]. Then I got to meet some guys, and we get very close to each other. They helped me a couple of times to be here in training camp. I love the country; everything is similar with my country. I love to be here; it’s one of the best places in the world and safe," he told The National.

Chimaev launched his UFC career in Abu Dhabi, securing a submission win over John Phillips followed by a TKO victory over Rhys McKee during the 2020 Fight Island series, marking the fastest turnaround between fights in UFC history. Following impressive wins against Gilbert Burns, Kevin Holland, Kamaru Usman, and Robert Whittaker, Chimaev secured the middleweight title by defeating Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319. His reign was unexpectedly cut short by a split-decision loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 328, the only blemish on his 16-fight MMA record. Since that May bout, Chimaev has been inactive in the UFC, leading to speculation about his return.

Chimaev, however, remains unfazed, insisting he is simply awaiting the UFC's call. “I'm just waiting for any matches, so I hope I'll be back very soon. I'm ready. I've been waiting, already like three months. I told them give me a fight the next day [after the Strickland loss]. But I’m still waiting, still waiting. “I heard maybe [Nassourdine] Imavov and Sean are gonna fight. Whoever wins that fight, maybe I fight that guy. I don’t know what the UFC are waiting for. I don’t know their plans.” Despite his status as a major UFC attraction and a prominent Muslim figure in combat sports, Chimaev is nonchalant about the timing of his return. He dismisses the idea that his involvement with RAF is a consequence of UFC communication issues, stating his primary motivation is the desire to compete. “I’ve been busy because I like RAF. It’s not because of the UFC. I like to train, I like to compete and I love to wrestle. “So being part of this sport, part of this game, I’m happy to be with them [RAF]. Of course, I love the UFC; I love RAF. Both are good for me. “I love to compete, love to be in RAF, I love to be part of this game. I love the UFC and I will be back, but for me I love to be always fighting.”

Regarding his return weight class, Chimaev, who famously missed weight for a proposed bout with Nate Diaz, insists he will remain at middleweight to reclaim his belt. “I’m going to stay in my weight class, get my belt back, defend it a couple of times. Then we’ll see what the UFC wants to do.” While awaiting the UFC's call, Chimaev has maintained his winning streak in RAF, remaining undefeated in his wrestling career with 27 consecutive victories, including three under the RAF banner. His RAF debut against Dillon Danis was a swift 44-second pin, setting an RAF record. The bout concluded with unsavory scenes after Chimaev reacted to a chokehold from Danis, leading to a mass brawl.

When asked about silencing verbose opponents, Chimaev’s response is direct: “Feels good. Feels good,” he says. “I'm an amazing guy. I like to kick someone's ass. Feels good. The guy likes to talk, you know, like Colby, they don’t have control of their mouths. It’s very fun to beat those kind of guys. It gives you good motivation.” Ahead of his match against Chris Weidman at RAF Abu Dhabi, Chimaev assures his UAE fans: “I’m gonna make you happy … hopefully we’re gonna get the belt here and smash someone.”