Khamzat Chimaev Becomes UFC Middleweight Champion

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MMA fighter of Chechen origin Khamzat Chimaev, who competes for the United Arab Emirates, became the new champion of the organization in the middleweight division, defeating South African Dricus du Plessis.

The fight within the UFC 319 tournament between Chimaev and South African Dricus du Plessis took place on August 17 at the United Center arena in Chicago.

It lasted five rounds and ended with the victory of Chimaev by unanimous decision of the judges (50-44, 50-44, 50-44), writes "Kommersant".

Chimaev has 15 wins in MMA and no losses, while du Plessis has suffered his third loss in his career and his first in the UFC with 22 wins, reports "Championship".

Commenting on the victory, the head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov called Chimaev one of the brightest stars of the UFC. On his page on the social network "VKontakte", Kadyrov wrote that "Chimaev has once again proven that there are no obstacles for him". "Our athlete emerged victorious, maintaining his perfect record and status as one of the brightest fighters in modern MMA," the head of the republic noted, adding that "each of his performances can safely be called exemplary".

Chimaev moved to Sweden at the age of 19. At first, he fought in the UFC as a fighter from Sweden, then as a fighter from the UAE. He entered the ring in Chicago with the flag of the Emirates. In January, he received citizenship of this country, he also has Russian citizenship. However, he does not have Swedish citizenship. He prepared for his last two fights - with Robert Whittaker and du Plessis - in Kislovodsk and Grozny, Sport Express reports.

Khamzat Chimaev enjoys the special favor of Ramzan Kadyrov. Thus, in January 2021, Chimaev flew to Chechnya, canceling a fight at the UFC tournament due to a confirmed coronavirus test. Ramzan Kadyrov announced a ceremonial reception for the fighter, adding that he handed him the keys to the car.

In May 2022, the head of Chechnya was a guest at the athlete's wedding. In March 2021, Chimaev flew to Chechnya at Kadyrov's invitation for rehabilitation after suffering from coronavirus. Kadyrov then said that he persuaded Chimaev not to end his sports career, "urged him to gather his strength, not to give up."

In October 2022, at the UFC 280 tournament, a skirmish occurred between Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov's brother Abubakar. It was preceded by a verbal conflict on social networks, during which, in particular, Nurmagomedov reproached Chimaev for moving to Sweden.

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