The Chechen Republic’s president, Ramzan Kadyrov, surprised fans by presenting a brand new Gelendvagen to UFC star Khamzat Chimaev following his impressive victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC 294. Chimaev shared the moment with his followers on social media, posting a photo that captured the celebratory exchange and the gleaming vehicle that accompanied it. The gesture underscored the high level of support and recognition Chimaev has earned for his performances inside the octagon.
At UFC 294, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Chimaev faced off against Usman in a bout that extended across the scheduled three rounds. The outcome was decided by the judges, with Chimaev earning the win by decision, his thirteenth professional victory without a loss. This string of success reinforces his position as one of the sport’s most formidable lightweight contenders and highlights his continued ascent in the official rankings for the division. The victory further solidifies Chimaev’s reputation for relentless pace, crisp striking, and pressure that keeps opponents off balance throughout each contest.
Following the win, Chimaev indicated that the prize money would be allocated to charitable efforts, signaling a commitment to using his platform to support causes beyond the cage. This remark added a humanitarian dimension to the victory, illustrating how fighters increasingly view their winnings as opportunities to contribute to communities in meaningful ways. The emphasis on charity also resonates with fans who appreciate athletes who leverage their success for broader social impact.
In the same event, the night’s marquee matchup featured a clash between Islam Makhachev of Russia and Alex Volkanovski of Australia. Makhachev emerged victorious by knockout in the opening round, successfully defending his lightweight title for the second time. The finish illustrated Makhachev’s ability to blend precision striking with suffocating grappling pressure, keeping Volkanovski under continuous threat and ultimately sealing the victory before the bell for the first round sounded its end.
Earlier in the night, Khabib Nurmagomedov publicly expressed gratitude toward Makhachev after his championship performance against Volkanovski, underscoring the strong bond within the team and the broader Dagestani fighting community that continues to shape the sport at the highest level. This acknowledgment highlights how mentorship and close-team dynamics can influence preparation, strategy, and results inside the octagon, contributing to a narrative of dominance and consistency among elite fighters from the region.