Khamzat Chimaev, born on May 1, 1994, in Gvardeyskoye, Chechnya, began wrestling at an early age, demonstrating remarkable dedication to the sport by starting at just five years old. At 19, he made the significant decision to move to Sweden, joining his mother and older brother to pursue wrestling at a higher level. Settling in Stockholm, he trained at the Allstars Training Center alongside Swedish MMA icon Alexander Gustafsson, earning three Swedish national wrestling championships in 2015, 2016, and 2018. This phase marked a crucial period in his career development and laid the foundation for his MMA success.
In an interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, Chimaev shared that his move to Sweden was driven by family considerations and health needs.
My brother was working, and he told us, ‘Come here, it’s good for us.’ Our other brother, Takir, needed surgery, so it would help him too,
Chimaev recounted.
When we came here, we stayed, we liked it, and they helped us a lot as well.
Although originally reluctant to leave behind his circle of friends in Chechnya, Chimaev gradually developed a sense of belonging in Sweden despite starting out in difficult conditions, including living in a cramped two-room apartment.
What Motivated Chimaev’s Transition from Sweden to the UAE?
Chimaev’s tenure in Sweden concluded in 2023 when he shifted his residency and national representation to the United Arab Emirates. This transition coincided with his victorious return to the Octagon at UFC 294 in October of the same year, where he defeated former champion Kamaru Usman. His manager, Majdi Shammas, confirmed that Chimaev now officially represents the UAE, which granted him citizenship, signifying a new chapter in his life and career.
Addressing the change, Chimaev expressed his gratitude and pride in embracing his new nationality.
It is my honor and privilege to represent this beautiful nation both as an athlete and a citizen. I would like to thank the UAE for its support, and I will do my best to make this country proud,
he wrote on social media. This move is more than symbolic; it reflects his desire for a supportive environment aligned with his values and career goals.
Beyond personal appreciation, several pragmatic reasons influenced this relocation. Chimaev reportedly grew frustrated with social tensions in Sweden, particularly government endorsement of Quran burnings under the guise of free speech, which affected his sense of comfort and belonging. Moreover, the UAE offers favourable tax advantages that contrast with Sweden’s fiscal policies, providing financial incentives better suited to an elite athlete’s circumstances.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach Alan Nascimento offered further insight into Chimaev’s motivations in an interview with MMA Fighting.
The thing is, Chimaev doesn’t have a Swedish passport. He’s not a Swedish citizen. He never was. He has a Russian passport. With this situation going on, the war, it’s hard for anyone to travel around the world with a Russian passport, especially for a Chechen.
This passport issue complicated international travel, essential for a global MMA career, and helped explain why the UAE’s citizenship and residency became a strategic solution.
Khamzat Chimaev’s Rising MMA Career and the Stakes Ahead
Currently, Khamzat Chimaev is riding a 15-fight winning streak, establishing himself as one of the premier talents in mixed martial arts. His career move, symbolized by the national changes from Chechnya to Sweden and now the UAE, demonstrates both personal growth and strategic positioning within the global combat sports landscape. Chimaev’s fighting style, incorporating a rare blend of elite striking and wrestling, has earned him a formidable reputation and a high ranking in the UFC middleweight division.
His upcoming fight at UFC 319 has generated significant anticipation, as he faces Dricus Du Plessis in a middleweight title clash. Du Plessis is noted for an unpredictable and aggressive ground-and-pound approach that contrasts with Chimaev’s diverse skill set, making the bout a highly anticipated showdown. Odds currently place Chimaev as a moderate favorite, reflecting his dominant performances and potential to secure the championship belt.
This fight represents much more than a title contest; it is a defining moment that could reinforce Chimaev’s status on the world stage and affirm the success of his career transitions. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Chimaev, popularly known as “Borz,” can maintain his unbeaten streak and realize the promise shaped by his unique journey from Chechnya through Sweden to the UAE.
Behind the Moves: Understanding the Broader Implications of Chimaev’s National Affiliations
Chimaev’s moves between countries underline how athletes today navigate complex international identities and the geopolitical realities that influence sports careers. His Chechen roots, Swedish training background, and current UAE citizenship combine to shape a story of resilience, adaptation, and ambition. Each move reflects a response to personal, professional, and political factors, revealing how fighters often face challenges beyond the ring that impact their paths.
His story resonates with many athletes who seek environments that support their careers while aligning with their personal beliefs and needs. By embracing the UAE as his base, Chimaev gains not only citizenship but also logistical ease and economic benefits that propel his career forward. Meanwhile, the silent challenges associated with holding a Russian passport amid political tensions illustrate the complex dynamics sports figures negotiate in the modern era.
As Chimaev continues to represent the UAE on the global stage, his evolving identity points to a growing trend of fighters identifying with multiple homelands, reflecting broader movements in migration, opportunity, and the global nature of mixed martial arts. His journey sheds light on the significance of national support systems and geopolitical context in shaping the careers of elite athletes.