We all know the Dagestani powerhouse, Khamzat Chimaev, but did you know he has an older brother who shares his passion for MMA? And no, we’re not talking about his teammates from “Team Khabib” but his actual brother, Artur Chimaev.

While Khamzat’s thrilling UFC career is well-known, Artur played a pivotal role in shaping his younger brother’s path in MMA. As a mentor and fellow fighter, Artur guided ‘Borz’ into the world of combat sports and established his career in the same field. So, if you’re curious about the family roots behind Khamzat’s rise, it’s time to get acquainted with the influence and support of Artur Chimaev.

Meet Artur Chimaev, Khamzat’s older brother

Artur Chimaev, Khamzat Chimaev’s older brother, is an accomplished freestyle wrestler and a key influence in Khamzat’s journey to becoming “Borz.” Known for his remarkable strength—he’s even rumored to lift cars for fun—Artur, often called the “Chechen Strongman,” offers insight into the roots of Khamzat’s strength and resilience.

Their close bond and Artur’s mentorship have been essential to Khamzat’s growth. In a story shared by Brett Okamoto on ESPN MMA, Khamzat recounted his move to Sweden at 19, when he joined his brother and mother who were already living there. Life wasn’t easy at first; Khamzat lived with his mother, brother, and sister in a small apartment, facing early struggles in a new country. But thanks to Artur’s guidance and unwavering support, he thrived, setting the foundation for the UFC juggernaut we know today.

‘Borz’ narrated how his mother sacrificed everything for her children and even his elder brother Artur, was his and his sister’s support system. He expressed in an ESPN video, “He (Artur) was always thinking about me because I am a guy who can stay some; one place you know like, work and like he was you’re gonna go some troubles and do some push things and me. Two years I was there and then he was tired he said, let’s go try to find MMA.”

Okamoto also shared an anecdote about the two brothers and their bonding on his Instagram account. It was a story of the duo when they were 10 or 11 years old and Artur narrated how his younger brother came crying to him after being beaten up on the street by other children.

The freestyle wrestling star said, “One time, some guys jumped him.” He continued, “One held him while the other punched him. When Khazmat came home, he had a black eye and I asked him, ‘Why did you let yourself get hit? Why did you fail?’ And he immediately began to cry. He ran and took a knife, saying, ‘I will kill them now! It was unfair! They attacked me two on one!’ I told him, ‘Give me the knife, and let’s go figure it out.’ He was 10 or 11 years old.”

So the love between the brothers is clear from these stories. Artur Chimaev had once also narrated to Match TV how they allegedly faked injuries for insurance claims. This is when he also spoke about Borz’s alleged knee injury.

When Artur accidentally leaked details about Khamzat Chimaev’s fake injury

Artur stated in the Match TV interview about the duo’s injuries, “I broke my collarbone, and my arm was broken while still wrestling. But that’s all in the past. There was no serious knee injury. I think it’s just for insurance purposes.“ It should be noted that Sweden’s implementation of the no-fault patient injury insurance system aimed at the issue of improper compensation for the patients who were harmed during medical care.

Chimaev’s older brother has been a constant source of strength and support throughout his life and career—even stepping in during Khamzat’s battle with health complications following COVID-19. In an interview with Dagens Kalmar, Artur shared that Khamzat experienced severe respiratory issues post-COVID, even coughing up blood, which understandably left the UFC star fearing for his health. Artur encouraged him to stay calm and allow his body the time it needed to heal.

As Khamzat prepares for his upcoming UFC 308 showdown against Robert Whittaker, he’ll once again have Artur’s steadfast support in his corner. With his brother’s unwavering guidance and encouragement, Chimaev seems more determined than ever. Are you ready to see who comes out on top?