Table of Contents
Introduction
Lightning strikes. Sometimes it wears four-ounce gloves. Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev burst into the UFC mauling foes so fast the promotion had to re-print record books overnight. This khamzat chimaev story traces his journey from war-scarred Chechnya to a likely middleweight title shot in 2025, mapping every wrestling mat, Brave CF cage and Octagon he’s conquered along the way. Whether you’re a die-hard MMA tape-watcher or a casual fan who only tunes in for pay-per-views, buckle up—you’re about to learn how an undefeated streak became a worldwide obsession.
Early Life in Chechnya & Move to Sweden
- Birth name: Khamzat Khizarovich Chimaev
- Born: May 1 1994, village of Gvardeiskoye, Chechnya
- Grew up improvising pull-ups on Soviet-era scaffolding while conflict raged nearby.
At 18, Chimaev emigrated with his mother to Sweden, joining his older brother in Kalmar for a safer life and better training facilities.
Amateur Wrestling Achievements
Before MMA headlines, Chimaev was rag-dolling Scandinavia’s best on the mats:
- Swedish National Champion – freestyle wrestling gold in 2016 (86 kg), 2017 (86 kg) and 2018 (92 kg).
- Russian Junior Bronze – podium finish prior to emigration.
- Bulldog Fight Night 9 (Nov 19 2021): Out-grappled UFC contender Jack Hermansson 8-0 in a special-rules showcase.
“Wrestling taught me how to drown people—MMA just gave me the water.”
— Khamzat Chimaev, post-Hermansson bout (pull-quote)
Transition to MMA & Brave CF Highlights
Chimaev discovered how did khamzat chimaev start mma in 2015 after watching Conor McGregor knock out José Aldo. He debuted professionally in 2018, stacking a 6-0 slate across Swedish shows and Brave Combat Federation, where his relentless top pressure became folklore.
UFC Debut: Record-Setting Back-to-Back Wins
- July 16 2020 – UFC on ESPN 13: Submits John Phillips (RNC) on ten days’ notice.
- July 25 2020 – UFC on ESPN 14: TKO over Rhys McKee just 10 days later—the fastest 2-0 start in modern UFC history, with a 192-3 total strike advantage.
- Sept 19 2020: One-punch KO of Gerald Meerschaert in 17 seconds.
Those three wins generated 70 million social impressions and a new meme: “No one wants Borz.”
Signature Fighting Style & Training Camp
Originally forged at Allstars Training Center in Stockholm alongside Alexander Gustafsson, Chimaev blends:
- Chain wrestling entries reminiscent of Islamic Republic sambo
- Smothering half-guard rides borrowed from college folkstyle
- A deceptively long left hook (see the Meerschaert KO)
Since 2023 he’s split camps between Allstars and Akhmat Fight Club in Grozny for higher-altitude grappling rounds.
Health Setbacks & Hiatus
In early 2021 lingering COVID-19 symptoms led Chimaev to briefly announce retirement, even requiring lung-clearing surgery. The hiatus lasted nine months, fueling rumors about compromised cardio—rumors shattered by the Burns war and Whittaker blitz.
Return, Weight-Class Switch & Latest Bout
After bullying welterweights on the scale, Chimaev vowed never to miss again and committed to 185 lbs. Since moving up he has beaten Usman and Whittaker, soaring to No. 2 in the 2025 UFC middleweight rankings (behind champion Dricus du Plessis).
Future Title Outlook & Potential Matchups
Dana White has verbally confirmed Chimaev vs. Du Plessis for the middleweight strap—targeted for late-summer 2025 [UPDATE NEEDED]. If successful, possibilities include rematches with Usman or a megafight versus 205-lb boogeyman Alex Pereira.
Legacy, Brand Persona & Fan Impact
- Nickname “Borz” translates to Wolf in Chechen—fitting for a fighter who’s faced just two total head strikes in his first two UFC bouts.
- Active supporter of global Muslim causes, creating both loyalists and critics.
- Unfiltered social presence (“I’ll fight every night, kill everybody”) drives viral clips but occasionally tests UFC PR.
Chimaev’s story resonates beyond stats: it’s the modern archetype of migration, grit and fearless ambition.
Conclusion – Join the Pack!
If you’ve followed Borz since his Brave CF days, you already know: the question isn’t whether Chimaev will wear UFC gold, but when. Subscribe to our newsletter and drop a comment—what’s your prediction for the Du Plessis showdown?
FAQ
Is Khamzat Chimaev undefeated?
Yes. His professional record stands at 14-0 across two weight classes.
How did Khamzat Chimaev start MMA?
After winning Swedish wrestling titles, he transitioned in 2017, inspired by Conor McGregor vs. José Aldo.
What is Khamzat Chimaev’s wrestling background?
Three-time Swedish national freestyle champion and winner over UFC’s Jack Hermansson in a 2021 wrestling super-fight.
Where does Chimaev train now?
Splits time between Stockholm’s Allstars and Akhmat Fight Club in Grozny.
Who is ranked above him in the 2025 UFC middleweight rankings?
Only reigning champ Dricus du Plessis—setting up their pending clash.
Key Takeaways
- Undefeated: 14-0 with a finish rate of 86%.
- Elite Wrestler: Three Swedish national titles underpin his mauling style.
- Record-Setter: Fastest 2-0 start in modern UFC (10 days).
- Middleweight No. 1 Contender: Earned via first-round submission of Robert Whittaker.
- Title Shot Incoming: Du Plessis clash signed for 2025—potentially crowning the UFC’s next superstar.
For those mapping out fight night weeks in advance, we keep an always-updated MMA schedule packed with every major card and under-the-radar regional gem. And if you’re tracking divisional ladders, our freshly refreshed MMA rankings page sorts the contenders from the pretenders.