Khamzat Chimaev is finally set to compete in the United States after nearly three years away, with fans welcoming him enthusiastically in Chicago ahead of his UFC 319 bout. His return follows a period during which his connections to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who faces accusations of war crimes and human rights abuses, reportedly prevented him from obtaining a US visa.
Earlier this week, Chimaev revealed that former President Donald Trump personally approved his visa, clearing the way for him to fight at the upcoming UFC event in Chicago. The match is scheduled for Saturday, August 16th, where Chimaev will face opponent Dricus Du Plessis on ESPN Pay-Per-View.
Obstacles Due to Political Associations Delayed US Fighting Opportunities
Chimaev has openly addressed the impact of political controversies on his career, emphasizing that his identity is rooted in being an athlete rather than a political figure. He explained that issues surrounding his visa forced him to compete twice in Abu Dhabi instead of the US during the past few years.
Everyone knows I didn’t have the visa to [travel to] the US. That’s why I didn’t fight only once [but twice] in Abu Dhabi. So now Donald Trump is here, we go for a fight.
—Khamzat Chimaev
He rejected the idea that his ties could be political, saying,
I’m just doing [it] for my family – fighting, training. Athletes don’t have to be with politics. I’m not connected.
—Khamzat Chimaev
Fan Support and Future Fight Preferences Revealed at Chicago Press Conference
During the UFC 319 press conference in Chicago, Chimaev was greeted with enthusiastic applause from the crowd, while his opponent, Du Plessis, faced a less favorable reception. The atmosphere highlighted Chimaev’s popularity among US fans despite his absence from the American fight circuit.
Looking beyond this match, Chimaev expressed a preference to compete outside the United States, specifically in the United Arab Emirates, where he believes the financial rewards are greater. Representing the UAE, which he proudly calls his country, is a key part of his future plans should he win at UFC 319.
After that, I hope we get in Abu Dhabi as well, defend the belt. No (I don’t want to fight in America more), I wanna fight in UAE, bro. You make more money there, that’s my country, I represent that country, the best country in the world so I’m always happy to fight there,
—Khamzat Chimaev
Implications of Chimaev’s US Return for His Career and UFC Events
Chimaev’s return to the US fight scene marks a significant moment both for his career and for UFC fans who have waited eagerly to see him compete on American soil. This bout not only presents an opportunity to showcase his talents to a large audience on ESPN, but it may also signal a potential shift in the politics surrounding fighter eligibility in the US. His performance at UFC 319 could determine if he pursues more fights abroad or reestablishes a strong presence in American events.