- Khamzat Chimaev has reportedly contacted Vladimir Putin’s warlord friend Ramzan Kadyrov after beating Gilbert Burns at UFC 273
- “Borz” and the Chechen president have been friends and have sparred against one another in the past
Born in the Chechen Republic of Russia, it is no secret that Khamzat Chimaev has close ties with Chechens, particularly the nation’s president Ramzan Kadyrov, who has been known as Vladimir Putin’s close ally. Ramzan is also supporting Russia in a war against Ukraine. Widespread rumors are now swirling that “Borz” may have paid tribute to Kadyrov after his UFC 273 win.
A message for Kadyrov?
During his octagon interview at UFC 273, Chimaev spoke in Chechen towards the end of his speech. According to its reported translation, “Borz’s” message was intended for Kadyrov, to whom he apparently dedicated his win.
“Brother, I know you’re home watching me now,” Chimaev said in Chechen, referring to Kadyrov via Instagram Story. “I said I’d finish it quickly today. May Allah be pleased with you, brother, God bless you. I know you’re watching me. May Allah be pleased with all Chechens. God bless you!”
Prior to the said interview, Chimaev is also believed to have boasted about having spoken to the Chechen warlord on FaceTime.
Chimaev and Kadyrov are friends
Despite being recognized worldwide as a warlord and Putin’s friend, Kadyrov has also shown his other side to the public. One of the things some people may not know about him is that he has a number of pals and acquaintances in the sport of MMA. One of them, is none other than Chimaev.
Chimaev and Kadyrov seemingly have forged quite a good relationship as friends. In fact, the pair has even taken on each other in a light sparring session last year.
Khamzat Chimaev was born in Chechnya but later shifted to Sweden with his mother. After immigrating to Sweden, Khamzat joined his older brother, where he honed his skills as a strong freestyle wrestler before shifting his focus to MMA full time at age 23.
With Russia still in conflict with Ukraine, Chimaev’s connection to Kadyrov certainly sparks controversy. However, no one knows what lies ahead of the pair’s friendship, at least for now.
