“I’m not Khabib go away!” Drunk Swedish men confused Khamzat Chimaev for Khabib Nurmagomedov after Conor McGregor fight

Rising UFC contender, Khamzat Chimaev, reveals story of being compared to Khabib Nurmagomedov way before UFC debut.

“I’m not Khabib go away!” Drunk Swedish men confused Khamzat Chimaev for Khabib Nurmagomedov after Conor McGregor fight

Khamzat Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov (Image via Imago)

Khamzat Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov are both skilled fighters with their roots in Russia. Khabib is a UFC legend and former champion, while Chimaev is a rising contender in the UFC. Khamzat Chimaev revealed a story of how he got mistaken for Khabib in one of his recent interviews. Here is what happened:

Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov clashed in a massive showdown back in 2017. The fight broke many records and was viewed worldwide because of the intense viral rivalry. Talking about it on the Full Send Podcast, Khamzat Chimaev said: 

When Khabib and Conor fought I was that day at work you know. It was at a bar, some different places you know like the guys come out you know like they was too drunk, I put them out. They say that you are Khabib. I said I'm not Khabib go away. They was thinking I'm Khabib, they was too drunk. Khabib fought today what are you talking about?
Khamzat Chimaev via Full Send Podcast
YouTube video

Before joining the UFC, Khamzat Chimaev worked as a security guard. He began his professional MMA career while still working in security. Chimaev won a bronze medal in wrestling in the junior category of the Russian National Championships before immigrating to Sweden in 2013. He was also a three-time national freestyle wrestling champion in Sweden.

FS Video

Although Russians, Chimaev, and Khabib are not related. However, Khamzat Chimaev got into a brawl in 2022 with Nurmagomedov’s cousin, Abubakar Nurmagomedov. This was at UFC 280 after Islam Makhachev’s lightweight title win. Chimaev had to be restrained by security after he shoved Abubakar in the face.

Jared Cannonier challenges Khamzat Chimaev for UFC comeback

Jared Cannonier called out Khamzat Chimaev for a comeback fight. Cannonier is a top-ranked UFC middleweight who is looking for a title shot. He believes a five-round fight against Chimaev would be a good stepping stone to becoming the next title challenger.

Khamzat Chimaev injured his hand in the first round against Kamaru Usman
Khamzat Chimaev injured his hand in the first round against Kamaru Usman (via MMA Fighting)

Khamzat Chimaev fought Kamaru Usman at UFC 294. The fight took place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Chimaev won the fight via majority decision. He told ESPN after the fight that he believed he broke his right hand during the first round.

However, Chimaev did not break his hand but instead tore a ligament in his right hand. Chimaev is scheduled for hand surgery, targeting a return at UFC 300. He recently posted videos of him training for his upcoming return to continue his incredible undefeated journey in the UFC.

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