Chechnya to Sweden – The Incredible Journey of Khamzat Chimaev

There hasn’t been a fighter who has scaled the heights of mixed martial arts as quickly as Khamzat Chimaev. Even if you put Conor McGregor in this comparison, not even the “Notorious” comes close. In just three months since signing with the UFC, Khamzat Chimaev has landed a potential title opportunity.

The Russian born Swedish fighter is set to take on #2 ranked welterweight Leon Edwards on December 12. If Chimaev can get past the English fighter, there’s a reason to believe that he could fight for the welterweight title next. Additionally, Chimaev has a KO win over ranked Gerald Meerschaert and could look to try his hands at the middleweight gold. It will be interesting to see what lies ahead for Khamzat Chimaev as he takes on his biggest challenge yet in the form of Leon Edwards. Ahead of the incredible match-up, let’s take a look at Khamzat Chimaev’s incredible journey.

Khamzat Chimaev’s real name – Khamzat Girikhanov

Khamzat Chimaev was born in Chechnya in Russia. The Swedish fighter made his professional MMA debut under the name Khamzat Girikhanov against Norwegian fighter Gard Olve Sagen. Since then, Chimaev has competed in 9 professional bouts.

He is undefeated inside the Octagon and has none of his fights have gone to the decision. With six knockout wins, and three submission wins to his name, Chimaev is destined for glory.

Khamzat Chimaev has incredible submission skills and has fought numerous amateur fights before making his way as a professional fighter. In just three fights in the UFC, Chimaev holds the record for the quickest successful turnaround.

Additionally, he registered the fastest three back to back wins in the modern era. At just 26 years of age, Chimaev has become one of the most sought for fighters in the world of mixed martial arts.

In less than three years since making his professional MMA debut, Chimaev has become one of the most interesting figures of the sport. He has also been compared to the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov with respect to his fighting style, and his dominant performances inside the Octagon.

Khamzat Chimaev: Fighting Style

Khamzat Chimaev is a wrestler. However, the Swedish fighter can fight. After back to back dominating grappling exchanges inside the UFC octagon, “Borg” showed his sheer power with a brutal KO win over middleweight fighter Gerald Meerschaert with a single punch in just 17 seconds of the very first round.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaBYWF9fH5k

Khamzat Chimaev’s Nick Name – Borz

Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev is a familiar name in Brave FC. The #15 ranked welterweight contender has called out several UFC fighters. You got to love the personality that has seen him become so popular in such a short period of time. Chimaev likes to call himself the “Borz.”

Borz translates to the wolf. It’s a Chechen word for the fiery animal that rules the animal kingdom in its own way. Wolf is also Chechnya’s national animal. The Spanish fighter who immigrated to Sweden when he was just 19 years old wants to pay respect to his hometown. Additionally, it suits his fighting style as he without a reasonable doubt has torn through each of his opponents.