“I Don’t Know Why They Hate Me… Pay All the Tax, Help My Mama”- Khamzat Chimaev Breaks Character at UFC 267

Khamzat Chimaev is one of the hottest properties in the UFC at this moment. The 27-year-old fighter has rapidly made his name in the promotion with his unblemished record and impressive finishes. 

Apart from his skills inside the Octagon, the Chechnya-born fighter’s personality attracts many fans. He loves to engage in mental warfare before the fights and is an impressive trash-talker.

However, Chimaev also has another side to him. According to ‘Borz,’ he is a respectful, dignified man who works for his family and his happiness.

He talked to the press after his UFC 267 win over Li Jingliang, “Guys… I respect all my opponents. When I’m here in the cage I have no respect, nobody. I’ve come to kill somebody, take my money. Outside, respect all the guys. I like to speak with my opponents, joke with them.” 

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The welterweight fighter, however, can’t comprehend why people often misunderstand him and end up disliking him. In his opinion, he is just a humble man who comes out to entertain the fans.

He added, “And I don’t know why people hate me sometimes. I love this shit. I come for everybody and show good fights and take money be happy! Pay all the tax, help my Mama! She’s waiting. I called in before the flight, ‘Mom, I come soon home, I eat your food.’”

A lot of fighters like to carry a different persona inside the Octagon than what they actually are. It has worked successfully in the past and might help Chimaev extract high pay-per-view numbers.

Khamzat Chimaev believes a title shot is next for him

Chimaev has impressed many with his imposing fighting and aura. He has a flawless 10-0 MMA career and has finished each one of his opponents so far. ‘Borz’ will face Gilbert Burns at UFC 273. Burns currently ranks #2 in the UFC welterweight division, while Chimaev is #11.

It didn’t take Chimaev long to mark his presence inside the promotion and climb the rankings. He is one of the top prospects for the next decade, and it isn’t going unnoticed. According to ‘Borz’, he had a conversation with UFC president Dana White about a title shot.

‘Borz’ revealed, “Me and him was in a meeting with Dana a couple of days ago… He said after that fight, people want to see you on the for the title. I said…let’s go. I’m ready for, I think it’s mine next, because in like out 10 fights, 10 finishes and I this guy gonna take his head is over.”

Chimaev is yet to face a top-five-ranked opponent in his UFC career. Therefore, a win over Gilbert Burns might skyrocket his career and make him the face of the promotion.

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