Khamzat Chimaev “Borz”
Middleweight · Russia / United Arab Emirates · UFC
Suffocating wrestler-grappler with heavy hands and relentless pace
Smothering top control and chain wrestling that drowns opponents
Record & stats
| Division | Middleweight |
|---|---|
| Categories | MMA |
| Promotion | UFC |
| Nationality | Russia / United Arab Emirates |
| Born | Gvardeyskoe, Chechnya, Russia |
| Team | Fight Club Akhmat |
| Pro debut | 2018 |
| Height | 188cm |
| Reach | 190cm |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Age | 32 |
| KO rate | 80% |
| Status | Active |
How the wins come
80% Finish rate- 6 KO/TKO · 40%
- 6 Submission · 40%
- 3 Decision · 20%
Titles & honors
- Former UFC Middleweight Champion
Biography
Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev is a Chechen-born fighter, now representing the UAE, who built one of the most hyped runs in modern UFC history on the back of suffocating wrestling and surprising power. He burst onto the scene in 2020 with quick finishes and a reputation for taking almost no damage.
After dominant wins over Gilbert Burns, Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker, Chimaev finally got his middleweight title shot at UFC 319 in August 2025. He produced a masterclass, controlling Dricus du Plessis for nearly the entire fight, landing a UFC-record number of strikes in a single bout and winning a shutout unanimous decision to become champion.
His reign was short. At UFC 328 in May 2026, he met the relentless Sean Strickland and, after five hard rounds, lost a split decision — the first defeat of his professional career — dropping to 15-1.
As of June 2026 Chimaev is a former champion and a top middleweight contender, certain to be in the title mix again.
Fight history
- LSean StricklandL SD 5
- WDricus du PlessisW UD 5
- WRobert WhittakerW SUB R1
FAQ
- Is Khamzat Chimaev still the UFC middleweight champion?
- No. He lost the title to Sean Strickland by split decision at UFC 328 in May 2026.
- Has Khamzat Chimaev ever lost?
- Yes, once. His only pro loss is to Sean Strickland at UFC 328; his record is 15-1.
- How did Chimaev win the title?
- He dominated Dricus du Plessis for five rounds at UFC 319 in August 2025, winning a shutout decision and setting a UFC single-fight strikes record.
- Where is Khamzat Chimaev from?
- He was born in Chechnya, Russia, and now represents the United Arab Emirates.