Khamzat Chimaev’s close ties with high-ranking Russian political figures may have backfired hilariously, as the UFC middleweight contender has been removed from Russia’s pound-for-pound rankings following his departure from Sweden and relocation to the UAE with an Emirati citizenship. ‘Borz’ has consistently claimed to represent both the UAE and Russia, but the time has come for him to choose one.

While having a conversation with the media at ACA media day, a Ushatayka journalist asked the fighter about his exclusion from the rankings to which Chimaev stated, “And if you personally want to be there? I don’t know about being on this roster, but I love being in Russia. I love this country and often visited it when I was having my training camp in the Elbrus region, in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. I had a very warm welcome there.”

He further added, “It was my camp for [Robert] Whittaker. We liked it there very much. Mentally, and in all respects in general, I really like having training camps in Russia. That’s why I come here very often. Near Lake Kezenoy in Chechnya, our head asked to build a gym, and they did, so we trained there. What should I say? Let them include me in the rankings if they like. If they don’t… well, I don’t know who decides. But I represent both Russia and the UAE.”

UFC middleweight title contender Khamzat Chimaev relocated from Sweden to the UAE, citing better living conditions and safety for his family. Born in Chechnya, Russia, Chimaev shares a close relationship with firebrand leader Ramzan Kadyrov. However, his removal from the Russian pound-for-pound rankings seems contradictory, given his ties with Kadyrov.

It must be noted that ‘Borz’ had previously stated that he never actually held a Swedish passport as he always lived in the Nordic country with Russian citizenship. However, as all of his training as well as his fights are taking place in the UAE, acquiring Emirati citizenship was a must for the undefeated fighter. His nationality has been questioned recently and Sean Strickland was the most recent MMA figure to pinch that aching nerve. Well, it must be noted one of the main reasons why Chimaev changed his nationality was to compete in the  USA.

Rumours suggest that Khamzat Chimaev will be able to compete in USA

Out of all of his MMA fights, Khamzat Chimaev has fought just three on the American soul despite having a huge following back in the United States. It must be noted that his close relationship with Chechnyan dictator Ramzan Kadyrov has been a reason for his ban from the USA. Well, after years of not fighting on American soil, things are starting to look better for Chimaev as according to Russian YouTuber, Aslanbek Badaev, Chimaev will be able to compete in the USA now.

“Khamzat Chimaev received citizenship of the United Arab Emirates. He posted a photo on social networks and said 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.

Khamzat Chimaev did change his nationality but will he finally fight in the USA? That question is debatable considering the fighter has a close relationship with Ramzan Kadyrov. It must be noted that the UFC CEO is looking to solve this matter and considering his close relationship with Donald Trump, things might be a bit easier. Nonetheless, we might have to wait a bit longer to witness the ‘Borz’ clash in the USA. Given this current situation, what’s your take on Chimaev’s career trajectory? State your thoughts in the comments below.