There are only three times out of the eight UFC appearances of Khamzat Chimaev where he’s fought in the US. ‘Borz’ cannot enter the United States, reportedly because of his association with Chechnyan dictator Ramzan Kadyrov, who has been sanctioned by the US government. Another reason that some speculate for Chimaev’s US ban is his Russian passport – a clear issue considering the tensions between the US and Russia over the Ukraine situation. But things are looking up for the undefeated middleweight after a big recent change. At least that is what Russian YouTuber, Aslanbek Badaev thinks.

“Khamzat Chimaev received citizenship of the United Arab Emirates. He posted a photo on social networks and aid that he is proud and happy about this recognition, will be proud to represent the country at the international level. It probably means that [US] visa issues will be resolved for Khamzat. He will get an American visa and most likely we will see him in the USA for the title clash most likely,”, Badaev said on his YT channel.

Chimaev did indeed receive his Emirati citizenship just last week, and posted a picture of his new passport online to prove it. But will that solve Chimaev’s US entry issues? Probably not, since ‘Borz’s Russian citizenship probably was never the reason behind his visa issues.

After all, many Russian fighters in the Dana White-led promotion can and do enter the United States. For example, Team Khabib who hail from the Russian republic of Dagestan fought at UFC 311 in Inglewood, California. No. The real reason for his non-entry into the US is Chimaev’s close friendship with Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov and his family. And while changing passports may not have been enough for Chimaev to enter the US, another, much more consequential change he had no control over may have done the trick.

Why Khamzat Chimaev may be able to enter the US soon?

In the lead-up to the 2024 US Presidential election, Khamzat Chimaev had (half) joked that his best bet of being allowed into the States was if Donald Trump won. This makes perfect sense. After all, the sitting President has expressed admiration for ‘Borz’ and is very good friends with Chimaev’s boss – UFC head honcho Dana White.

And since the new President has shown in his first week that he isn’t afraid of cracking a few eggs to make an omelet, it seems like he may just move the strings to grant Chimaev entry into the country. This is a pretty important development for Chimaev at the moment.

After all, ‘Borz’ is next in line to fight for the title. And it would be quite tricky for Dana White and Co. to have the middleweight champion unable to fight in the US, where almost all UFC events are held. Of course, banning people from entering the US must be governed by clear policies and guidelines, and that means Khamzat Chimaev’s case for entering the US is still not clear.

But his brand new Emirati passport and the election of Donald Trump may just be enough to push him over the red, white, and blue finish line. What do you think about Khamzat Chimaev becoming a UAE citizen? Will that, along with Trump showing him grace, allow him to enter the “Land of the Free, Home of the Brave?” Let us know in the comments down below.