Khamzat Chimaev is undoubtedly one of the most popular fighters on the UFC roster. The ‘Borz’ immediately became a fan favorite due to his dominant fighting style and unpredictable personality. His rise to UFC fame was due to his incredible initial run, during which he fought three fights in a span of two months.
Chimaev’s rise in the UFC earned him widespread recognition and substantial financial rewards. He utilized his money to buy cars and help his teammates. However, with popularity came a loss of privacy, as people began to show up at his home in Sweden. Adding to his personal struggles, Khamzat Chimaev’s son, who is one year old, is due to have surgery soon.
I’m going back to Sweden. My son has one surgery, a second one. Everything is good, thanks to God. He has a one kidney some problem.
Khamzat Chimaev via ESPN MMA
Khamzat Chimaev shares that his 1 year old son’s second surgery (kidney) is scheduled to take place after his fight at UFC 308 🙏 pic.twitter.com/U8X90sVpWz
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) October 25, 2024
Chimaev’s son already had surgery, which greatly improved his condition. According to the fighter, his son became happy and started running around like a normal child. Although Chimaev was always hungry for fighting, he consistently prioritized his family and took his responsibilities seriously. His marriage in 2022 in Chechnya added to his sense of duty and deepened his commitment to his loved ones.
How did fatherhood change Khamzat Chimaev’s personality?
Early in his UFC career, Khamzat Chimaev was known for his aggressive, no-nonsense approach to fighting. He aimed to fight anyone in his path, determined to capture the UFC title at any cost. The fighter famously announced that he came to UFC to kill everybody and prove he’s the best in the world.
However, that Chimaev is now gone, and fans are shocked to see a different, calm, and humble version of the fighter. While many fans have shown their disappointment in seeing this Chiamev, others are happy about the fighter’s change in attitude. Although still a formidable force, his outlook has changed significantly since becoming a father.
Before I was crazy… now before [I do anything] I think about if my son grows up how’s he gonna see me. How will he think about me. What kind of man my father is.
Khamzat Chimaev via Aansh Jagwani’s YouTube channel
Khamzat Chimaev describes how fatherhood changed him:
“Before I was crazy… now before [I do anything] I think about if my son grows up how’s he gonna see me.
How will he think about me. What kind of man my father is?” 🙏❤️
🎥 @Aansh_Jagwani #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/cpdWHZh3eQ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 25, 2024
Born in Chechnya, Khamzat Chimaev moved to Sweden when he was 19 and started wrestling at a very young age. However, he never had Swedish citizenship, and his Russian passport made it hard for him to travel. The fighter recently moved to UAE and rebuilt his whole team, which was difficult for the Chechen warrior.
Khamzat Chimaev’s personal struggles
Despite his explosive start in the UFC, Khamzat Chimaev fell short of fans’ high expectations. In 2021, Chimaev battled health issues after contracting COVID-19, which severely impacted his breathing. At one point, he considered retiring from fighting but ultimately chose to continue pursuing his career.
Khamzat Chimaev’s personal challenges with depression and illness (via X)Chimaev recently opened up about his struggles with mental health and how it impacted his past performances. He battled depression for an extended period and wasn’t in the right frame of mind. Constant moving and being away from his family took a serious toll on his well-being. This also impacted his training, which wasn’t consistent.
You know it’s hard to move from other country to different country. You move your stuff you change your bank account lot of different things and still have to train and change team and coaches… you still have to be in the gym twice a day you know. So that was too much.
Khamzat Chimaev via ESPN MMA
In 2024, Chimaev was hospitalized right before his scheduled fight with Robert Whittaker, which had fans worried about his career. Many experts believed that overtraining and lack of planning were the root causes of his illness. Since then, the fighter has recovered and brought in new team members to help him stay in top shape. Recovery from depression and fatherhood has marked the beginning of a new era for Khamzat Chimaev.
