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-Emirati professional mixed martial artist and freestyle wrestler. He competes in the Middleweight division of the UFC, where he is the current UFC Middleweight Champion. A three-time Swedish national freestyle wrestling champion, Chimaev is currently ranked #3 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings as of December 9, 2025.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

May 1994: Birth of Khamzat Chimaev

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.

2017: Move to Allstar Training Center

In 2017, Chimaev moved to Allstar Training Center in Stockholm, Sweden, to start his MMA career.

June 2019: Training Praised by Alexander Gustafsson

In June 2019, Alexander Gustafsson, one of Chimaev's main training partners, stated during a press conference that Chimaev was one of the best fighters he had ever trained with.

December 2020: COVID-19 Contracted

In December 2020, Chimaev contracted COVID-19, experiencing lingering symptoms that led to hospitalizations and a fight cancellation.

December 2020: COVID-19 Diagnosis and Fight Cancellation

In December 2020, Chimaev was scheduled to face Leon Edwards at UFC Fight Night 183, but it was announced that Chimaev tested positive for COVID-19, putting the bout in jeopardy.

January 2021: Rescheduled Fight Cancellation

In January 2021, after the bout was rescheduled for January 20 at UFC Fight Night 185, Chimaev pulled out of the contest on December 29 due to his COVID-19 recovery, leading to the bout's cancellation.

March 2021: Brief Retirement Announcement

In March 2021, Chimaev announced his retirement from MMA on Instagram due to lung complications caused by COVID-19, but Dana White later clarified he was not retired.

May 2022: Chimaev Gets Married

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

2022: Training with Darren Till

In 2022, Chimaev and UFC title challenger Darren Till began training together, with Till arriving in Stockholm in February.

2023: Move to UAE

In 2023, Chimaev moved to the UAE before receiving citizenship in January 2025.

January 2025: UAE Citizenship

In January 2025, Chimaev received citizenship in the UAE, after moving there in 2023. He is the first athlete representing the United Arab Emirates to win a UFC title.