For years, Dagestan dominated the Russian MMA scene, largely because of Khabib Nurmagomedov, although fighters from other Russian regions also made their mark. Everything changed in 2020 when the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev emerged. Almost immediately, the Western MMA world noticed the breakout Chechen star.

Unlike other Chechen fighters in the UFC, Khamzat Chimaev firmly put his region in the spotlight. After defeating Dricus Du Plessis last August to claim the UFC middleweight title, he further strengthened Chechnya’s presence in MMA. This week, Chechnya’s head of state, Ramzan Kadyrov, honored Chimaev for his achievements and skills.

Prestigious Award Brings Old Questions To the Front

“Khamzat Chimaev wins the Athlete of the Year award from the Ministry of Physical Culture and Sports of the Chechen Republic 🏆” wrote Red Corner MMA on X. The MMA-focused page shared a video showing ‘Borz’ wearing a small jogger-style custom-tailored suit.

On stage, Ramzan Kadyrov, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, joined Khamzat Chimaev alongside his son Akhmat and Chechnya’s Minister of Sports and Youth. The Russian star rose above the other nominees and won the honor.

Over the years, he has remained one of Kadyrov’s favored athletes, and the Chechen leader has often shown public support and backed him at key moments in his career.

“When I broke down, he brought me back and said, ‘If you train, you’ll become champion,’ and just as he said, we returned to the sport. He brought me back, and I became champion. Alhamdulillah,” Khamzat Chimaev told Obzor Press.

After Chimaev captured the title at UFC 319 , Kadyrov reportedly rewarded him with a Mercedes Maybach. However, that close association has not come without scrutiny. At times, Khamzat Chimaev’s ties to Kadyrov sparked public debate, including reported tension with Khabib Nurmagomedov and recurring claims linking his U.S. visa issues to Kadyrov’s alleged human rights violations. However, there is another legend who seems to have a sturdy equation with the Head of the Chechen Republic.

Jon Jones reflects on his experience meeting Ramzan Kadyrov

Jon Jones shook the MMA world during his visit to Chechnya, where he met Khamzat Chimaev along with several Chechen wrestlers and MMA fighters. Surprisingly, fans were truly caught off guard when photos surfaced showing Jones alongside Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Those images quickly divided the internet, as Kadyrov’s links to political and human rights controversies often raise red flags, especially in the United States.

During the trip, Jones attended the 18th birthday celebration of Kadyrov’s son, Adam. The former UFC champion acted as Guest of Honor and even joined Khamzat Chimaev in performing Chechnya’s traditional Lezginka folk dance. At one point, he also playfully wrestled with Kadyrov during the festivities.

After returning home, a user on X asked Jones about his experience meeting Ramzan Kadyrov. Jones replied candidly.

“It was awesome. I was invited by the president Kadyrov! I spent a day celebrating his son’s 18th birthday, got to shoot exotic weapons, my favorite was the RPG. Was never served so much food, ate like a king.”

“I don’t know anything, I don’t see anything. All I know is the man’s a great host [lips zipped shut emoji],” Jones added.

Still, critics continue to question him, arguing that his explanation does not fully address concerns about Ramzan Kadyrov. At the same time, many observers speculate that Khamzat Chimaev keeps ties with the Chechen leader partly out of necessity, since several of his family members still live in the region. What do you think? Will Khamzat make his foray into another arena anytime soon?