Khamzat Chimaev Biography: Age, Height, Wife, UFC Career, Record, Net Worth, Salary, Son & Facts

Khamzat Chimaev is a Russian-Emirati professional mixed martial artist and former wrestler who stormed the UFC with a ferocity rarely seen in modern combat sports. Known as “Borz”—the Chechen word for wolf—Chimaev went from living in a storage closet beneath a Stockholm gym to capturing the UFC Middleweight Championship with an unblemished 15-0 record. His blend of world-class wrestling, suffocating pressure, and raw knockout power has made him one of the most feared fighters on the planet, while his close ties to Chechen leadership and fiercely guarded private life have kept him equally prominent outside the cage.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Khamzat Khizarovich Chimaev was born on May 1, 1994, in the village of Gvardeyskoye in the Chechen Republic of Russia . He grew up in a poor, conservative Muslim Chechen family during the turbulent post-Soviet era, with the shadow of regional conflict never far from daily life . His mother ensured her children ate before she did, a sacrifice Chimaev has spoken about with deep reverence in adulthood .

Chimaev began wrestling at age five, following a national tradition that treats grappling as a cornerstone of Chechen identity . By his teenage years, he had earned a bronze medal at the Russian National Championships at the junior level . At age 18 in 2013, he emigrated with his mother to join his older brother Artur in Kalmar, Sweden, where Artur had relocated for medical treatment .

Life in Sweden was humble. Chimaev worked loading boxes at a poultry factory refrigeration warehouse while continuing to wrestle . He became a three-time Swedish National Champion in freestyle wrestling, capturing gold at 86 kg in 2015 and 2016, and at 92 kg in 2018 . However, without Swedish citizenship, he was ineligible to represent the country in the Olympics, a frustration that helped push him toward mixed martial arts .

Career Journey

The Switch to MMA (2017–2018)

Chimaev’s pivot to MMA was sparked in December 2015 when he watched Conor McGregor knock out José Aldo in 13 seconds at UFC 194 . “If that guy did that s—, why I’m not?” he later recalled thinking. “I’m mentally stronger than him” . In 2017, he quit his factory job against his brother’s advice and drove to Stockholm to train at Allstars Training Center .

Unable to afford an apartment, he lived in a small windowless storage room beneath the gym’s bleachers for two years, training three to four times daily and watching movies on his phone at night . His coaches, recognizing his potential, allowed him to stay rent-free while he developed his MMA game from scratch .

Regional Career and BRAVE CF (2018–2020)

Chimaev turned professional in May 2018 and quickly amassed a 6-0 record across Scandinavian promotions and BRAVE Combat Federation . His aggressive, wrestling-first style produced quick finishes, catching the attention of UFC scouts.

UFC Arrival and Instant Stardom (2020)

Chimaev signed with the UFC and made his debut on July 15, 2020, on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, submitting John Phillips via D’Arce choke . In a feat of durability and ambition unmatched in modern UFC history, he fought again just 10 days later, stopping Rhys McKee via strikes . Six weeks after that, he knocked out Gerald Meerschaert in 17 seconds . The three-fight, two-weight-class blitz made him an overnight sensation.

The Grind to the Top (2021–2024)

Chimaev submitted Li Jingliang at UFC 267 in October 2021 , but his momentum was soon derailed by a severe COVID-19 infection in December 2020 that caused lung complications and nearly ended his career . He withdrew from multiple bouts and fought only sporadically over the next three years.

In April 2022, he survived his first real test, winning a unanimous decision over Gilbert Burns in a brutal three-round war at UFC 273 . At UFC 279 in September 2022, he missed weight for a scheduled bout with Nate Diaz, instead submitting Kevin Holland in a 180-pound catchweight fight . In October 2023, he earned a majority decision over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 .

UFC Middleweight Champion (2024–Present)

On October 26, 2024, Chimaev submitted former champion Robert Whittaker with a first-round face crank at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi . The victory set up a title shot, and on August 16, 2025, at UFC 319 in Chicago, he defeated Dricus du Plessis by unanimous decision over five rounds to become the UFC Middleweight Champion .

As of May 2026, Chimaev is scheduled to make his first title defense against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey .

Career Stats & Milestones

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Chimaev married in May 2022 in his home region of Chechnya, with the ceremony attended by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov . He has steadfastly refused to reveal his wife’s identity or share photos of her on social media, maintaining an ironclad separation between his public and private lives .

The couple has one son, born around 2023 . In October 2024, Chimaev revealed that his then-18-month-old son suffers from a kidney condition requiring multiple surgeries . “He has one kidney. Some problem, I don’t know what that calls in English,” Chimaev told ESPN, adding that doctors assured him the condition is relatively common in children . The situation has weighed heavily on him, with Chimaev stating plainly, “For me, most important my family, not the fighting game” .

Relocation to the UAE

In 2023, Chimaev relocated his family to the United Arab Emirates, where he eventually became a naturalized citizen and now fights under the Emirati flag . The move, while beneficial for his career and tax situation, initially caused significant stress, including depression related to changing teams, banks, and medical providers while maintaining a grueling training schedule .

Controversies

Ties to Ramzan Kadyrov

Chimaev’s most persistent controversy involves his close relationship with Ramzan Kadyrov, the authoritarian head of the Chechen Republic. Following his UFC 319 title victory, Chimaev presented his championship belt to Kadyrov’s 17-year-old son, Adam Kadyrov . He has referred to Ramzan Kadyrov as a “padishah” (king) and has received luxury gifts including Mercedes-Maybach vehicles . Chechen state media has promoted him as a “role model” and “true patriot,” raising concerns among human rights observers about his association with a regime accused of widespread abuses .

Nationality Debate

After winning the middleweight title under the UAE flag, former UFC champion Petr Yan publicly stated that Chimaev “doesn’t represent Russia” and should not call himself a Russian champion . Chimaev fired back, asserting, “As long as people consider Chechnya part of Russia, then I am Russian” . The spat highlighted the complex identity politics surrounding fighters from the post-Soviet sphere.

UFC 279 Weight Miss

At UFC 279, Chimaev failed to make the 170-pound welterweight limit for his scheduled bout with Nate Diaz, weighing in at 178.5 pounds . The UFC reshuffled the entire fight card, moving Chimaev to a catchweight bout against Kevin Holland. The incident damaged his reputation as a professional and led to his permanent move to the middleweight division.

Health and Inactivity

After contracting COVID-19 in late 2020, Chimaev suffered lingering effects including a deviated septum from a childhood staircase fall that left him unable to breathe properly through one nostril . He has also battled various infections and immune system issues that forced withdrawals from multiple fights, fueling criticism about his activity level despite his dominance when healthy .

Awards & Achievements

• UFC Middleweight Championship (2025–present)
• UFC Performance of the Night – Multiple wins
• 3x Swedish National Freestyle Wrestling Champion (2015, 2016, 2018)
• BRAVE CF Superfight Series Winner
• Ranked #3 UFC Men’s Pound-for-Pound (as of December 2025)
• Real American Freestyle (RAF) Cruiserweight Signee (2026)

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“If that guy did that s—, why I’m not? I’m mentally stronger than him. My body is bigger than him. If he makes that money, why not me?”
— On watching Conor McGregor vs. José Aldo, inspiring his MMA career

“For me, most important my family, not the fighting game. So this one, of course, I think about them more.”
— On his son’s kidney condition, October 2024

“Wherever I go people want to sponsor me. They want to do different things with me… I am making millions and people are just talking and doing nothing.”
— On his earnings and outside sponsorships, April 2026

“As long as people consider Chechnya part of Russia, then I am Russian.”
— Responding to Petr Yan’s nationality comments, 2025

Favorites

• Nickname Origin: Borz (Chechen for “wolf,” the national symbol of Chechnya)
• Gym: Allstars Training Center, Stockholm
• Cities: Gvardeyskoye (birthplace); Stockholm (adopted home); Dubai (current residence)
• Hobbies: Luxury watches (Patek Philippe, Rolex), training, family time
• Cause: Supporting Chechen youth and sports infrastructure
• Idol/Inspiration: Conor McGregor (initially sparked his MMA interest)

Earnings

As of 2026, Khamzat Chimaev’s net worth is estimated between $4 million and $8 million . His income breakdown includes:

Chimaev has stated publicly that his sponsorship deals now pay more than his UFC fight purses . He owns luxury properties in Dubai and frequently showcases high-end timepieces on social media .

Interesting Facts

• Chimaev lived in a windowless storage closet under gym bleachers for two years while launching his MMA career in Stockholm .
• He started wrestling at age five and won a junior Russian National bronze medal before leaving Chechnya .
• At age two, he fell down a concrete staircase, breaking his nose and losing teeth, leaving him with a lifelong breathing impairment through one nostril .
• He fought three times in 66 days during his 2020 UFC debut run across two weight classes .
• He was the first UFC fighter in modern history to win two fights in 10 days .
• His wedding in May 2022 was attended by Ramzan Kadyrov, though his wife’s identity remains completely unknown to the public .
• He became a naturalized UAE citizen in 2023 and now fights under the Emirati flag .

Did You Know Already?

• Chimaev’s nickname “Borz” is the primary national symbol of Chechnya and represents independence and resilience .
• He has a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Alan Nascimento, despite his wrestling-first reputation .
• His son’s kidney condition required multiple surgeries, with Chimaev flying back to Sweden between fights for medical appointments .
• He is scheduled to face Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, in Newark, New Jersey .
• Chimaev has also signed with Real American Freestyle, a professional wrestling league, though his debut is expected after UFC 328 .

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @khamzat_chimaev (verified, highly active)
• X (Twitter): @KChimaev
• TikTok: @khamzat_chimaev (official presence)
• UFC Profile: ufc.com/athlete/khamzat-chimaev

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Khamzat Chimaev?
Khamzat Chimaev was born on May 1, 1994, making him 32 years old as of 2026.

What is Khamzat Chimaev’s record?
He holds a perfect professional MMA record of 15-0-0, with 6 wins by knockout and 6 by submission .

Who is Khamzat Chimaev’s wife?
Chimaev married in May 2022, but he has never publicly revealed his wife’s identity and keeps his marriage entirely private .

Does Khamzat Chimaev have children?
Yes, he has one son (born around 2023) who has dealt with kidney issues requiring multiple surgeries .

What is Khamzat Chimaev’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is between $4 million and $8 million as of 2026 .

What nationality is Khamzat Chimaev?
He was born in Russia (Chechnya), spent years in Sweden, and is now a naturalized citizen of the United Arab Emirates, under which flag he competes .

Why is Khamzat Chimaev called Borz?
“Borz” means “wolf” in Chechen. It is the primary national symbol of Chechnya and reflects his aggressive, relentless fighting style .

When is Khamzat Chimaev’s next fight?
He is scheduled to defend his UFC Middleweight title against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, in Newark, New Jersey .

Conclusion

Khamzat Chimaev’s ascent from a poultry factory worker in rural Sweden to UFC Middleweight Champion is one of the most remarkable stories in modern mixed martial arts. At 32, he stands atop the middleweight division with an unblemished record, a global fanbase, and the kind of crossover star power that transcends the sport. Yet beneath the wolf persona lies a father worried about his son’s health, an immigrant who slept under bleachers to chase a dream, and a fighter who still sees himself as the hungry kid from Gvardeyskoye. Whether he continues his reign against Sean Strickland or eventually pursues professional wrestling, one thing is certain: Borz is not finished hunting.

If you enjoyed this biography, please share it with fellow MMA fans and anyone who believes in the power of relentless self-belief.