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Hamzat ChimaevUndefeated Swedish mixed martial artist
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Sweden |
Content:
- Early Life and Background
- Combat Sports Career
- Professional MMA Debut and UFC Stardom
- Hiatus and Return to Competition
- Accomplishments and Awards
- Mixed Martial Arts
Early Life and Background
Hamzat Chimaev, an undefeated Swedish mixed martial artist of Chechen descent, was born on May 1, 1994, in the village of Gvardeyskoye, Chechnya. His father, Khizar, was the only family member still residing in Chechnya as of 2019. At the age of 16, Chimaev moved to Sweden with his family as a refugee. Before pursuing his MMA career, he worked at a factory and as a nightclub security guard.
Combat Sports Career
In Sweden, Chimaev took up wrestling and excelled, becoming a national champion in both the welterweight and middleweight categories. After encountering a mixed martial arts training session, he developed a passion for the sport. He joined Allstars Gym Sweden, where he met renowned MMA fighter Alexander Gustafsson.
Professional MMA Debut and UFC Stardom
Chimaev began his amateur MMA career in 2017, winning three fights. He made his professional debut in 2018 and quickly gained attention with consecutive victories in the FCR and IRFA promotions. In 2020, he signed with Brave CF, where he went undefeated in six fights before being invited to the UFC.
Chimaev's UFC debut on July 15, 2020, was a submission victory over John Phillips. He followed up with a record-breaking 10-day turnaround for his next fight, knocking out Rhys McKee at UFC on ESPN 14. On September 19, 2020, Chimaev secured another knockout victory over Gerald Meerschaert at UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Woodley.
Hiatus and Return to Competition
After suffering from COVID-19, Chimaev briefly announced his retirement from UFC in March 2021. However, in August 2021, he confirmed his return to the octagon at UFC 267 on October 30, 2021.
Accomplishments and Awards
Chimaev has an impressive record in both mixed martial arts and wrestling:
Mixed Martial Arts
Ultimate Fighting ChampionshipPerformance of the Night (4 times)
Fight of the Night (1 time)
Wrestling
Swedish National Freestyle Wrestling Championship
2018, 92 kg division
