When Khamzat Chimaev debuted in the UFC in 2020, it seemed inevitable that he would go on to eventually win gold.
This Saturday, the premier promotion returned to Chicago for UFC 319, headlined by a middleweight title fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev.
Although a large portion of the MMA fanbase believed Chimaev would leave with the title, the way in which he did it was a surprise as he dominated the South African over five rounds.
And his return to the Octagon could come sooner rather than later, as UFC boss Dana White claimed after the event that he is open to adding Chimaev to the UFC 321 event in October.
Chimaev receives a message from world champion boxer after history-making win
Not only did ‘Borz’ join a small group of fighters to win the UFC title while maintaining an undefeated record, but he also became the first Chechen fighter in UFC history to win a title, something Conor McGregor congratulated him for.
The 31-year-old also received a message from boxing world champion, Artur Beterbiev, who congratulated him following his win.
“I sincerely congratulate our brother, undefeated UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev, as well as my dear brother Ramzan Kadyrov and the entire Chechen people on its historic victory and winning the UFC championship belt! I wish Khamzat health, new achievements and only bright victories!”
At one point, Chimaev seemingly suffered from his relationship with Kadyrov as he struggled to attain a visa to fight in America, which massively halted his career.
Despite that, the Chechen now doesn’t have an issue in regards to acquiring a visa, but still isn’t very interested in fighting in the United States.
Chimaev congratulated by Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones
Having finally won UFC gold, Chimaev will now look to continue building his legacy, hoping to go down as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
And following his win, he was congratulated by two of the best in Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev, who have both supported him prior to his fight in Chicago.