Khamzat Chimaev, a high‑profile fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, has publicly shifted his allegiance from Sweden to the United Arab Emirates. In a conversation conducted by Swedish broadcaster SVT, his team confirmed the change in representation, with his general manager Mehdi Shammas stating that the athlete emigrated from Sweden and is no longer Swedish in an official sense. The move marks a significant step in the athlete’s professional journey, aligning his competitive identity with new roots while continuing to pursue top-tier competition on the world stage.
In terms of competition, Chimaev has demonstrated versatility by competing in both the middleweight and heavyweight divisions within the UFC. His promotional debut occurred on July 15, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 13, where he secured a victory by submission against John Phillips. This win was followed by a rapid follow-up bout just ten days later at UFC on ESPN 14, where he earned a knockout victory over Reece McKee. The consecutive performances showcased his ability to adapt quickly, impose his grappling pressure, and finish fights decisively, helping him to establish an early reputation as a dynamic and dangerous competitor in the promotion.
September 11, 2022, saw Chimaev facing Kevin Holland in what proved to be a notable clash. He emerged victorious in the first round with a submission, applying a troublesome grappling sequence that pressured his American opponent from the opening moments and finished the contest decisively. This victory reinforced Chimaev’s standing as a dominant force capable of controlling fights from the outset and dictating the pace with relentless pressure and technical proficiency.
Looking ahead, a highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for October 21 in Abu Dhabi, where Chimaev is set to meet Paulo Costa. Costa has publicly voiced his intense dislike for Chimaev in the lead‑up to the bout, adding a combustible rivalry angle to the event. The location and timing of the fight accentuate the global footprint of UFC’s marquee matchups and highlight the international fan interest in a bout that pairs two top contenders who bring markedly different fighting styles to the cage.
Past events have also included moments off the mat that have drawn attention. At a recent training session, Chimaev was seen wearing a T‑shirt bearing a political slogan, a detail that underscored how athletes’ personal expressions can intersect with their public personas. These moments often spark discussion about the balance between personal beliefs and professional responsibilities in combat sports, where athletes operate under intense scrutiny from fans, media, and sponsors. Through it all, the fighter’s focus remains on preparation, strategy, and the pursuit of peak performance as he navigates both a changing national affiliation and the demanding schedule of high‑level competition.