Khamzat Chimaev reportedly received a Mercedes-Maybach from Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov before UFC 328, adding a major non-fight detail to the week of his middleweight title defense against Sean Strickland.
Footage posted by KYNO TV showed Chimaev being presented with the vehicle before Saturday’s event at Prudential Center in Newark. Bloody Elbow reported the car came from Kadyrov, while the source post stated, “Khamzat Chimaev gets gifted a Mercedes Maybach just now after his final training session before #UFC328.”
Watch the clip below:
Khamzat Chimaev gets gifted a Mercedes Maybach just now after his final training session before #UFC328 pic.twitter.com/phgGvKKyeq
— KYNO TV (@TvKyno) May 7, 2026
Chimaev enters UFC 328 as the unbeaten 15-0 UFC middleweight champion, with six knockouts, six submissions, and three decision wins. He won the title at UFC 319 by defeating Dricus du Plessis by unanimous decision and is scheduled to make his first defense against Strickland on May 9, 2026.
Khamzat Chimaev’s Kadyrov Link Returns Before UFC 328
The car clip surfaced the same week Chimaev and Strickland had to be separated after their faceoff turned physical. Chimaev kicked Strickland during the staredown, and both fighters traded personal insults in separate clips released from fight week.
Kadyrov is the head of the Chechen Republic and has been criticized by international organizations over human rights abuses under his rule. Chimaev has been publicly connected to Kadyrov and Chechen leadership during his UFC rise.
Maybach is Mercedes-Benz’s ultra-luxury line. Current Mercedes-Maybach S-Class models in the United States start around the $200,000 range depending on trim, with higher-end versions and options pushing the price further.
Strickland comes into UFC 328 as a former UFC middleweight champion with a 30-7 MMA record. Chimaev brings the unbeaten record, wrestling, top control, and finishing ability into his first title defense.
Chimaev is scheduled to defend the UFC middleweight title against Strickland on May 9, 2026, in Newark.
