All About the Life of Khamzat Chimaev Before UFC

Khamzat Chimaev is the new rising star in the world of Ultimate Fighting Championship. The young, vibrant talent currently competes in the welterweight and middleweight divisions of the UFC. The Russian born Swedish MMA fighter is often compared to Khabib Nurmagomedov, as both of them have similar fighting techniques.

Chimaev has had an explosive start to his UFC career. In just 4 months, the Russian has won all the three matches that he fought inside the octagon. It amazes the entire UFC fraternity to see his takedowns and his grappling movements. The young fighter made his debut this year in July 2020, and undoubtedly he had to go through a lot before reaching the octagon.

Khamzat Chimaev Before UFC – Wrestling Career

The Russian’s journey to becoming phenomenal is not as easy as it sounds. Chimaev started his wrestling career at the tender age of five. The young Russian started with a bang and won a bronze medal in the Russian National Championships.

After this Chimaev participated in Swedish National Championship where he won a gold medal in the year 2018. The Russian MMA fighter had a very amazing and dominant tournament that year. He had an undefeated score of 10-0 till the finale. Chimaev did not stop there and went on to participate in few judo and combat sambo tournaments.

Chimaev Before UFC – MMA Career

Chimaev started his MMA training when he was 23 years old. He was also considered one of the best fighters during his training period. The Russian’s early MMA career started with fighting three amateur fights.

In this fight itself, he dominated his opponent and won the fight via submission in the second round of the bout. This fight was against future IMMAF World Champion Khaled Laallam. He went on to have a proud record of 3-0 and won his following two amateur fights, one by submission and one by technical knockout.

After his amateur career, the fighter turned professional at International Ring Fight Arena 14. He then again defeated Gard Olve Sagen via a technical knockout in the second round of the bout. Chimaev’s next fight took place on August 18, 2018, against Ole Magnor at Fight Club Rush 3. He won via submission with a rear-naked choke late in the first round.

Chimaev before UFC, with Brave Combat Federation

This was a turning point for the fighter where he signed a contract with Middle Eastern organization Brave Combat Federation. The exceptional fighter started with a bag and won his first fight against Marko Kisic. Chimaev won the bout by technical knockout in the first round of the thrilling match.

Chimaev’s winning streak did not stop, and he went on to defeat opponents like Leon Aliu and Ikram Aliskerov. The young Russian won the Knockout of the Night award for his fight with Ikram Aliskerov. It was a visual treat to see Chimaev’s performance in his debut in the welterweight division.

The Russian’s fourth promotional fight came against Mzwandile Hlongwa at Brave CF 27. Chimaev won the fight via submission in the second round.

Then came the big day when Chimaev made his debut in the UFC. The Russian made his debut in a middleweight bout against John Phillips, replacing Dusko Todorovic on July 16, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 13 and marked his first victory in UFC.

Read More: “Leon Edwards is an Easier Fight Than Me” – Neil Magny Trashes Khamzat Chimaev

There is no doubt that Khamzat Chimaev is one of the best young fighters in the UFC now. The young talent has a long way to go in his fighting career. With his excellent techniques and his passion for the sport, the Russian is all set to make his mark in the UFC world.