In just three short years in the UFC, Khamzat Chimaev has gone from relative obscurity to becoming one of the sport’s biggest sensations. With an arsenal of incredible finishing moves, an aggressive fighting style, and comparisons to the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, it’s no wonder he’s taken the MMA world by storm.
Chimaev’s next challenge is a pivotal showdown against the world’s seventh-ranked middleweight, Paulo Costa. A win in this fight could catapult “Borz” into his first UFC title shot, a moment fans have eagerly anticipated.
As we gear up for UFC 294, let’s take a trip down memory lane to relive the highlights of Chimaev’s remarkable journey in the Octagon.
Khamzat Chimaev vs. John Phillips
Date: July 16, 2020
Outcome: Submission victory in round two
Chimaev burst onto the scene by dominating middleweight John Phillips in his UFC debut. With relentless grappling skills, he controlled the fight and secured a submission victory in round two, earning his first performance bonus of $50,000.
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Rhys McKee
Date: Just ten days after his debut
Outcome: TKO victory
Chimaev’s rapid rise continued as he returned to the cage to face Rhys McKee at welterweight. Despite the quick turnaround, he secured another dominant win via TKO. This victory set a record for the shortest time between fights in modern UFC history.
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gerald Meerschaert
Date: September 19, 2020
Outcome: Knockout victory in just seventeen seconds
Facing Gerald Meerschaert, Chimaev showcased his striking prowess, delivering a record-breaking knockout in a mere seventeen seconds. Meerschaert went on to win his next three fights, while Chimaev faced an extended break due to the challenges posed by COVID-19.
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Li Jingliang
Date: October 30, 2021
Outcome: First-round knockout victory
After a year-long hiatus and several canceled bouts, Chimaev returned at UFC 267 to face Li Jingliang. Despite concerns about his popularity waning due to inactivity, he quickly silenced critics with another dominant first-round knockout victory.
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns
Date: To be filled in
Outcome: To be filled in
Chimaev faced a formidable challenge in world number three Gilbert Burns. The bout turned into a war, with Chimaev showcasing his resilience and striking skills. Despite some tough moments, he ultimately secured the victory in a thrilling third round.
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Kevin Holland
Date: To be filled in
Outcome: To be filled in
Originally slated to face Nate Diaz at UFC 279, Chimaev’s match card changed due to a weight miss. He went on to face Kevin Holland in a catchweight bout, emerging victorious with a grappling clinic that led to a submission victory.
Chimaev’s journey in the UFC has been nothing short of extraordinary. His rapid ascent, marked by a series of dominant victories, has captivated fans and solidified his status as a rising star in the sport.
While Chimaev has faced his share of challenges and controversies along the way, his talent and determination have shone through. As he prepares for his showdown with Paulo Costa at UFC 294, the MMA world eagerly awaits to see if Chimaev can continue his meteoric rise and secure a shot at UFC gold.
