Why Is Khamzat Chimaev Called ‘Borz’? Meaning Behind UFC Star’s Nickname

UFC star Khamzat Chimaev dominating his previous opponent was a spectacular and rather scary sight. His prowess in the UFC has attracted a lot of fans who would want to know more about him. Back in 2023, Chimaev decided that he would no longer represent Sweden and changed his nationality to the UAE. Still, several fans may know that the undefeated UFC star traces his roots way back to Chechnya in Russia.

Similarly, most fans would also know that he goes by the moniker of ‘Borz’. But, many of them may not be aware of what it means and what attracted Chimaev to the ‘Borz’ moniker he uses for his UFC career. Today, let’s take a deep dive and find out everything there is to know about the Chechen fighter’s nickname.

What is the meaning of ‘Borz’? Why does Khamzat Chimaev go by this moniker?

Chimaev’s nickname is proof that he is still deeply connected to his native place. The word ‘Borz’ directly translates to ‘wolf’ in Chechen, the language of Chimaev’s homeland Chechnya. In Chechen culture, the wolf represents bravery, strength, and loyalty. It is also the region’s national animal.

Fight fans may agree that several characteristics of a wolf are reflected in Chimaev’s combat style. He dominates his opponents with his wrestling and striking prowess in the octagon. And much like wolves, Chimaev is always on the prowl to ‘kill somebody’ as he puts it. Even his Instagram profile picture is that of a fierce wolf!

Interestingly enough, Chimaev did not choose the name for himself. Chimaev’s former coach Andreas Michael gave him the moniker ‘Borz’ after witnessing his training sessions. But why did he choose this name for his student?

Michael once mentioned that the 29-year-old’s aggressiveness and tenacity made him look like a wolf. After watching his performances in the cage, not many would disagree with that opinion. However, is there another reason behind the nickname?

Khamzat Chimaev’s nickname may have a rebellious touch to it

Chimaev was born in the year 1994. It was the same year in which Russia invaded his homeland of Chechnya. This also led to the formation of various armed Chechen militias to resist the Russian army. ‘Borz’ is also the name for all the improvised submachine guns that were produced in Chechnya between 1992 and 1999.

These weapons were used by the Chechen rebels during the First and Second Chechen Wars against the Russian forces. However, looking at the fact that Chimaev’s nickname was given by his Swedish coach, it’s hard to imagine that he had the ‘Borz’ guns in the back of his mind while naming Chimaev.

Now, the Chechen Wolf has attracted quite a bit of attention to himself as he is finally ready to fight Robert Whittaker in the co-main event for UFC 308. It will be the perfect opportunity for Chimaev to redeem himself for the mess from UFC Riyadh, that saw him pull out of the bout just 2 days before the scheduled match. With a newfound training regime and the will to rise to the pinnacle of the middleweight division, ‘Borz’ would indeed try to claim a victory over Whittaker.

Did you already know the story behind Chimaev’s moniker? Who do you think will win at the co-main event of UFC 308? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.