Khamzat Chimaev is the most popular UFC fighter after Conor McGregor, according to Dana White. The UFC boss revealed in a recent interview with TNT Sports that ‘Borz’ was the fighter fans wanted to see the fight most after the Irishman.

And it is easy to see why Chimaev is so popular. One of the most hyped fighters in UFC history, the undefeated middleweight has steamrolled every opponent put in front of him, except for Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 last year. And recent reports suggest that ahead of his UFC 294 bout, he has made a drastic change.

Khamzat Chimaev to represent another country from UFC 294

Reports have emerged suggesting that Chimaev, who originally hails from the Chechen Republic in Russia, and moved to Sweden when he was 18, has changed his nationality to being a UAE citizen, renouncing his Swedish citizenship. The exact reason behind this move remains unclear.

However, many have speculated that this might be because ‘Borz’ is unhappy with the recent spats of Quran burnings in Sweden. Others, however, have put forth the theory that the 29-year-old might have been lured to become an Emirati citizen due to financial considerations. It is important to note, however, that while there are widespread speculations that Chimaev has changed his nationality, it is yet to be officially confirmed by ‘Borz’ or his people.

Fans react to Khamzat Chimaev changing his nationality

Fans took to the comments section of the tweet to make their opinion on Chimaev changing his nationality known. Here is what some fans had to say.

One fan thought money was the main reason for this move:

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“Oil money talks ,”

Another was not surprised as he felt the UAE royals influenced when he fought:

“Not surprising since apparently they decide when he gets to fight anyway”

Another asked if he was from Chechen:

“Isn’t he from Chechnya?”

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One fan referenced Dana White’s famous statement on Conor McGregor:

“As one bald man once said – “Money changes everything”

Another thought Chimaev and Israel Adesanya were going through an identity crisis:

“Him and Izzy share an identity crisis”

Chimaev will face #6 ranked middleweight Paulo Costa in the co-main event at UFC 294 in UAE on October 21. And if he can win in emphatic fashion and make a statement against a top 10 ranked opponent, the Chechen would move up in line to fight for the title as he already has a lot of popularity and hype. Which is why fans are eagerly waiting to see the result of their middleweight bout.

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