Khamzat Chimaev credits Chechen leader for bringing him back to the sport as he takes UFC title back home

Chimaev credits Chechen leader following historic title win

Not long after his title win, Chimaev was sent a congratulations message by Conor McGregor for becoming the first Chechen fighter to win a UFC title.

Despite being born in Chechnya, ‘Borz’ has been living in the UAE for several years now as it is easier for him to attain a visa living in the Middle East.

Just a few days removed from winning UFC gold, Chimaev returned to the UAE with it, where he received a hero’s welcome at the airport.

And now, the 31-year-old has returned to Chechnya with the title, where he was once again greeted by a crowd of people and a celebration, including being greeted by the Chechen leader, Ramzan Kadyrov.

Chimaev has suffered ongoing health concerns over the last few years, halting his momentum in the sport for some time. And talking to the media after arriving in Chechnya, Chimaev credited Kadyrov for bringing him back to the sport.

“When I broke down, he brought me back and said, ‘If you train, you’ll become champion’, and as he said, we returned to the sport. He brought me back to the sport and I became champion. Allhamdulilah,” Chimaev told Obzor Press.

Khamzat Chimaev’s first title defense will be decided in the next few months

Although Chimaev wanted to make the quick turnaround to compete at UFC 321 in October, it was too quick of a turnaround with there being no clear contender.

And with that, the promotion announced yesterday that Reinier De Ridder will take on Anthony Hernandez in the UFC Vancouver main event, with the winner potentially fighting for the title next.

Caio Borralho and Nassourdine Imavov are also scheduled to clash in the UFC Paris main event and whoever puts on the most impressive performance out of the four, will likely be Chimaev’s first challenger.