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Khamzat Chimaev Able To Fight In The US Because Of Donald Trump?

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Aug 8, 2025 10:16 AM ET

Khamzat Chimaev is finally back in the United States and he believes former President Donald Trump may be the reason why.

The undefeated UFC contender is set to challenge Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight title in the main event of UFC 319 on August 16 in Chicago, marking his first fight on American soil in nearly three years. Chimaev, 30, has spent the past several years unable to enter the U.S. due to visa issues linked to his association with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who was sanctioned by the U.S. government in 2020 for alleged human rights violations.

Now, with his visa reinstated and training camp underway in California, Chimaev is preparing for his shot at UFC gold and he didn’t hesitate to speculate about why the tide turned. “This wasn’t my bad. This wasn’t my fault,” Chimaev told MMA Fighting during an open workout on Wednesday. “Everyone knows I didn’t have the visa to the U.S. … So now Donald Trump is here, we go for a fight.”

Khamzat Chimaev opens up about remembering death often

"I believe in God, so I wanna meet Him as well. Life is going really fast — I'm already 31. I remember being 6 or 7 years old, and it feels like yesterday. I believe in God, so do good things before I meet Him. If… pic.twitter.com/Wfy8Bk2X8s

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) August 6, 2025

Though Chimaev didn’t elaborate on how exactly Trump influenced the visa process. He implied that the former president’s close relationship with UFC CEO Dana White may have played a role. White and Trump have maintained a strong personal and professional bond dating back more than two decades, and Trump has been a regular presence at UFC events in recent years

Trump also recently announced plans to host a UFC card at the White House in 2026 as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The event still in the early planning stages is expected to take place around the July 4 holiday and could be the first of its kind held at the presidential residence.

Wont be fighting at the White House

But don’t expect Chimaev to be on that card.

“Look at my face. I don’t think so,” Chimaev said with a grin when asked about the White House event. “They [would deport me] to an immigrant camp or whatever.”

Despite the humor, Chimaev expressed frustration over being caught in political crossfire throughout his career. Though he has appeared in photos and video training with Kadyrov in the past. Chimaev has consistently downplayed any political affiliation, insisting he is solely focused on his fighting career.

Chimaev (14-0) last fought in October 2024, defeating Robert Whittaker by majority submission in Abu Dhabi. He has competed just twice in the past two years. Due to health issues and travel restrictions. But remains one of the UFC’s most polarizing and talented rising stars.

Now cleared to fight in the U.S. once again. Chimaev enters UFC 319 not only chasing a championship but seeking to move forward. Away from political entanglements that have complicated his rise.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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