Early Life and Education of Khamzat Chimaev: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Khamzat Chimaev, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Khamzat Chimaev is a Russian-born professional mixed martial artist and freestyle wrestler who competes in the UFC's Middleweight division. A three-time Swedish national freestyle wrestling champion, Chimaev has quickly risen in the UFC ranks. As of late 2024, he is ranked #3 in the UFC middleweight division and #14 in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings as of mid 2025, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the sport.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

May 1994: Birth in Chechnya

In May 1994, Khamzat Chimaev was born to a Chechen family in the village of Gvardeyskoye, Chechnya, Russia.

May 1994: Khamzat Chimaev's Birth

In May 1994, Khamzat Khizarovich Chimaev was born.

2013: Emigration to Sweden

In 2013, at the age of 18, Khamzat Chimaev emigrated to Sweden with his mother to join his older brother, retaining his Russian citizenship.

2017: Move to Allstar Training Center

In 2017, Khamzat Chimaev moved to Allstar Training Center in Stockholm, Sweden, to start his MMA career, after training at a local wrestling club in Kalmar.

June 2019: Training Partner Praise

In June 2019, Alexander Gustafsson told a Swedish reporter that Khamzat Chimaev was one of the best fighters he had ever trained with, during a press conference.

December 2020: COVID-19 diagnosis

In December 2020, Khamzat Chimaev contracted COVID-19 and suffered lingering symptoms which required multiple hospitalizations and the cancellation of a scheduled fight against Leon Edwards.

March 2021: Brief Retirement Announcement

On 1 March 2021, Khamzat Chimaev announced his retirement from MMA on Instagram due to lung complications caused by COVID-19, but Dana White later clarified that he was not retired and was just emotional due to the effects of prednisone.

May 2022: Marriage in Chechnya

On 21 May 2022, Khamzat Chimaev got married in Chechnya and the wedding was attended by Kadyrov.

2022: Training with Darren Till

In 2022, Khamzat Chimaev and Darren Till began training together, with Till arriving in Stockholm in February and training at Allstars Training Center and shooting content for YouTube and Blockasset.