“This last step is completed. The most interesting is yet to come,” stated Artur Beterbiev in an Instagram post before he defended his unified heavyweight title against Callum Smith last year. Since that bout in Canada, the Khasavyurt native’s journey has indeed been interesting. He became the first undisputed light heavyweight champion in the modern era and will on February 22 headline one of the biggest boxing events of the year to defend his title against Dmitry Bivol.

While Bivol has described the match as “the final step” and is hell-bent on taking revenge, Beterbiev will also do everything to keep the title intact. It will truly be a battle for ages that will echo through the annals of boxing history. Everyone in the combat world has picked their favorite to take home the undisputed tag and looks like Chechnya’s very own UFC middleweight Khamzat Chimaev has also made his pick.

Khamzat Chimaev’s unshakable belief in Artur Beterbiev

On Sunday, the Borz took to his Instagram to show his support for his Chechnyan brother. He re-shared the 21-0 boxer’s post he made after winning the undisputed light heavyweight title. The post featured Beterbiev lifting the specially-made undisputed belt while being lifted in the air by his team after his historic title victory in October last year.

While Khamzat Chimaev might not have added any words to the post, the “💪” emoticon spoke volumes about what he expects from his friend. The UFC middleweight has complete belief in his friend’s capability to retain the undisputed title against someone as skilled as Dmitry Bivol. Furthermore, this is not the first time that the UFC middleweight has shown his support to the undisputed 175 lbs champion. The duo share a long friendship and have often congratulated each other after their respective victories.

Always behind each other

Last year, after Chimaev’s monumental victory against Robert Whittaker during UFC 308, Artur Beterbiev took to his Instagram to congratulate Khamzat Chimaev. The undisputed champion appreciated Borz’s dominant performance in the tournament with an extensive and heartfelt post. “I sincerely congratulate my dear BROTHER, the renowned UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev, on his brilliant victory in the co-main event of the UFC 308 mixed martial arts tournament!” Beterbiev wrote in the post. “We wish Khamzat new achievements, health, and success in his upcoming fights! Onward to new heights! God bless you, YOURS!”

Last year, in January, Artur Beterbiev established himself in a league of his own by knocking out Callum Smith. Right after the fight, Chimaev chipped in to acknowledge the greatness of the performance put on by the 40-year-old. Chimaev posted a story on his Instagram account, tagging the fighter with a “gold medal” emoji. With Beterbiev now ready to enter the biggest fight of his career, and with Borz’s unwavering trust in him, it seems like the latter must already have an appreciation message ready to post.

With Dmitry Bivol desperate for revenge and Artur Beterbiev hell-bent on protecting his title, the Kingdom Arena might witness its best fight of the year. Who do you think will walk out with the undisputed belt? Let us know your thoughts down below.