Why did Khamzat Chimaev change his nationality? Everything you need to know about UFC phenom’s relationship with Sweden, UAE, and Chechnya
Learn about the nationality of Khamzat Chimaev after switching allegiance from Sweden.
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Khamzat Chimaev changed his nationality and became a UAE citizen (via Imago/Instagram)
Khamzat Chimaev had a meteoric rise in the UFC when he debuted in 2020. He stormed through his competition and remains undefeated in his MMA career. Khamzat Chimaev’s nationality has captured headlines in recent weeks. In his last fight, he represented Sweden. However, Khamzat Chimaev became a UAE citizen toward the end of September.
For his upcoming fights, he will represent the UAE. The Swedish fans will not like the decision of Chimaev. However, he did what he thought was wise. The topic surrounding Chimaev’s switch in national allegiance has made fight fans wonder about his past in Sweden and Chechnya. Find out why Khamzat Chimaev decided to become a UAE citizen and his connection with Chechnya and Sweden.
Related: Khamzat Chimaev Fight Record: Has the Chechen UFC phenom ever lost in his career?
What made Khamzat Chimaev change his nationality?
Fight fans have wondered if Chimaev’s decision to emigrate from Sweden to UAE has some sort of political significance. However, Chimaev’s manager, Majdi Shammas, clarified the situation to STV Sports. Shammas did not reveal any political aspect to Chimaev’s decision.
Shammas said, “(Khamzat) He has emigrated, he is no longer Swedish. He wanted to emigrate.” Chimaev frequently visits the UAE. He might have deemed it as a better place to live and train. The UAE has good facilities, and Chimaev might have better business opportunities than Sweden. He speaks the language and could be a natural fit in the region.
What is Khamzat Chimaev’s connection with Chechnya?
Chimaev was born in Chechnya on May 1, 1994. He gained an interest in wrestling during his time in Chechnya. He started wrestling at age five and won numerous titles at the junior level. “Borz” solidified his wrestling base during his time in Chechnya.
Chimaev has an older brother. The older brother left Chechnya first and moved to Sweden. After finding his footing in Sweden, he emigrated Khamzat and their mother to Sweden. Chimaev has a good relationship with Chechnya dictator Ramzan Kadyrov.
Khamzat Chimaev’s time in Sweden
Chimaev moved to Sweden when he was 18. His solid background in wrestling propelled him to become one of the best freestyle wrestlers in Sweden. He won gold medals in 2016 and 2017 national championships.
Chimaev started training in MMA when he was 23. He started training at the All-Star Training Centre in Stockholm. UFC legend Alexander Gustafsson took him under his wing, and Chimaev improved his striking with Gus. The former UFC title challenger had only good things to say about Chimaev.
Chimaev represented Sweden for his first 12 MMA fights. However, he emigrated to the UAE in 2023 and decided to represent UAE for his next fight at UFC 294.
FAQs
Chechnya
He came to Sweden in 2013.
Yes. He became a UAE citizen in 2023.
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Nidhin Shibu
(2537 Articles Published)