After defeating Gilbert Burns at UFC 273, Khamzat Chimaev lengthened his undefeated streak and cemented his name as a deserving title contender in the welterweight division. Chimaev, who was born in the Chechen Republic of Russia, has caught people’s attention after a recent post he made on Instagram. Thus, people have been talking about it.
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The fighter shared a picture of him training before the Burns fight. However, it was the caption that troubled people. As per ‘Mirror‘, Chimaev wrote, “We are athletes, each of us is a patriot of our Motherland, lately everyone has interfered with sports with politics, we stand for the country where we live, I am proud of my Motherland and I know that my Motherland is proud of me and supports me.”
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He also voiced his support for fellow Russian fighter Muhammad Mokaev. ‘Borz’ wrote, “@mokaev_muhammad. All those who are worthy of your Motherland are proud of you my brother, only victory InshaAllah.”
As reported by ‘Mirror’, Khamzat Chimaev has been living in Sweden since the age of 18. His recent comments were also under scrutiny as he previously sparked controversy because of his relationship with Ramzan Kadyrov- Vladimir Putin’s warlord friend. Kadyrov is also the president of the Chechen Republic and an important element in Russian MMA.
READ MORE- The Early Career of Khamzat Chimaev Before UFC and MMA
Additionally, because of the tense situation between Russia and Ukraine, several Russian athletes were banned from competing in several sports. This includes football and tennis players.
Chimaev, however, fights under the Swedish flag.
Khamzat Chimaev: His relationship with Ramzan Kadyrov
As reported by ‘International Business Times‘, Chimaev spoke in Chechen after his win over Burns. The message was translated by media outlets and reportedly, the fighter was referring to Kadyrov. In fact, before his fight with Burns, ‘Borz’ had also shared a screenshot of him having a conversation with Kadyrov.
Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 19: Khamzat Chimaev of Chechnya prepares to fight Gerald Meerschaert in their middleweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on September 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Kadyrov also owns Akhmat MMA and has been friends with Chimaev for a while.
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What do you think about Khamzat Chimaev’s recent comments about his motherland? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
