Khamzat Chimaev revealed he spent between six hundred and seven hundred thousand dollars to construct a wrestling facility for children in his village in Chechnya. Chimaev stated he fights not only for himself but to help others, using his earnings to support people in his community including those who fall ill. He defended himself against critics who claim he is inactive, saying he earns millions and has built his brand to the point where sponsors and business opportunities come to him outside of fighting. Chimaev emphasized that he is living his dream and is grateful for what UFC pays him. He dismissed detractors, stating he has no time to address people who only talk without taking action.
Khamzat Chimaev has revealed he invested between $600,000 and $700,000 of his own money to build a wrestling gym for children in his home village in Chechnya, offering a rare public look at how the welterweight-turned-middleweight star uses his UFC earnings away from competition.
Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," currently sits at 15 wins and one loss and is ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center, is one of the sport's most physically imposing fighters at six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach. Inside the cage he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a 60 percent accuracy rate, numbers that reflect the relentless pressure game that has made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opponents.
Speaking publicly about his motivations, Chimaev framed the gym construction as an extension of a broader personal mission, saying he fights not only for himself but to lift those around him, including community members who fall ill and need support. He pushed back against critics who point to his recent inactivity, arguing that his brand has grown to the point where sponsors and business opportunities seek him out independent of his fight schedule. He described himself as living his dream and expressed genuine gratitude for what the UFC pays him, dismissing his detractors as people who talk without acting.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's charitable investment reinforces his status as a significant cultural figure beyond his athletic career
- His comments on inactivity and brand value signal he feels no urgency to fight on others' timelines
- As the number-one ranked middleweight, any extended absence from competition has direct implications for divisional clarity at 185 pounds
