5 interesting facts about Khamzat Chimaev

#4. Wrestling was Khamzat Chimaev's escape

UFC Fight Night: Chimaev v McKee

Being from a small village in Russia, wrestling was a huge part of Chimaev's childhood. He started training in wrestling at just 5 years old. 'Borz' continued training and competing in wrestling to escape poverty and provide a good life for his family.

Chimaev won a bronze medal in the Russian junior wrestling championship. After moving to Sweden, 'Borz' competed in the Swedish wrestling championships in 2015 and 2016 where he won a gold medal both times. By the end of the tournament, Chimaev was sitting at an undefeated record of 19-0.

Khamzat Chimaev wasn't a Swedish citizen and didn't have a passport, so competing in any big organization and the Olympics was off the table for him.

---

#3. Discovering MMA was the best thing which happend to Khamzat Chimaev

In an interview with ESPN, Chimaev claimed he was inspired to start training in MMA during a night at work where he took a 15-minute break to watch the Aldo vs. McGregor main event. 'Borz' stated,

"I was watching his [McGregor's] fight. I was watching him fight Aldo. I was sitting in night and was working. I was taking rest for 15 minutes and watched his fight. I always look at that like if the guys make so many money like millions and this stuff, why I can't do it now. I'm a fighter, I'm a warrior and I have something special inside me. I had to find some way and take out this to show to the people."

Chimaev trains at the Allstar Training Center in Stockholm, Sweden. He moved there to start his MMA career in 2017. Chimaev continues to train alongside current and former UFC fighters such as Alexander Gustafsson, Ilir Latifi and Reza Madadi, with the latter being his main trainer.

---