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 a matter of a couple of years, Khamzat Chimaev has risen through the ranks and emerged as one of the most impactful fighters in the UFC.
Khamzat Chimaev is set to take on #2 ranked Gilbert Burns at UFC 273. Needless to say, should Chimaev emerge victoriously, there’s every reason to believe that he could be next for the UFC title. 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 10 professional bouts.
He is undefeated inside the Octagon and has none of his fights have gone to the decision. With six knockout wins, and four 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 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. Chimaev would later take on Li Jinliang in a welterweight bout, winning the fight via submission in the first round in yet another dominant outing inside the cage.
Why is Khamzat Chimaev called the “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.
