#2. Kevin Holland
It's difficult to pinpoint exactly why Kevin Holland has such a problem with Khamzat Chimaev. However, the first rumblings of a feud involving the two first arose last year. In an appearance on Joe Rogan's popular podcast, Holland questioned the apparent validity of the reports detailing Chimaev's life-threatening experience with COVID. According to Holland, Chimaev lost his right to brand himself a warrior due to how severely the infection affected him.
'Borz' did not respond too kindly to Holland's remarks, eventually confronting him at a hotel where Chimaev claims to have slapped his rival. Meanwhile, Holland described the encounter differently, stating that Chimaev had the support of a pose before expressing his desire to fight him one day. Following the altercation, Holland sniped and taunted the Chechen phenom on occasion, like Paulo Costa, describing him as a fake gangster who postures in front of cameras.
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However, according to Holland, Chimaev is far more cordial behind closed doors. Unfortunately, prior to the UFC 279 pre-fight press conference, 'Borz' and 'Trailblazer' crossed paths, leading to another altercation. Chimaev allegedly kicked him before the scuffle was broken up by others.
#1. Khabib Nurmagomedov
When Khamzat Chimaev first emerged in the UFC, comparisons to retired UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov were immediate. Both men were from geographically approximate regions, dominated their foes with overpowering wrestling and boasted undefeated records. The comparisons were so great that fans comically nicknamed Chimaev as 'Khabig' due to fighting at a heavier weight class than Nurmagomedov.
Unfortunately, what was initially an amicable relationship devolved into animosity for some inexplicable reason. Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov was a longtime supporter of Nurmagomedov, often showering the undefeated Russian with luxury gifts. Not long after Nurmagomedov's retirement from MMA, Kaydrov dismissed 'The Eagle' as a UFC product who wouldn't fare as well against the fighters signed to his Akhmat MMA promotion.
Piggybacking off of Kadyrov's words, Chimaev—who enjoys a close relationship with the Chechen strongman—offered to tear Nurmagomedov apart. A cousin of 'The Eagle,' Abubakar Nurmagomedov, did not take kindly to Chimaev's words and warned him to be mindful of his own words. He then reminded 'Borz' that his behavior contrasted his amicable and brotherly regard for them when they crossed paths in the United States.
Chimaev, in turn, taunted Khabib Nurmagomedov's apparent need for an entourage to confront Artem Lobov years ago in a hotel. Eventually, cooler heads prevailed and Chimaev has since apologized for his behavior, with 'The Eagle' granting him his forgiveness.