Hamzat Chimaev revealed he spent between six hundred and seven hundred thousand dollars to build a wrestling gym for children in his village in Chechnya. He emphasized that he fights not only for himself but to help others, and money provides opportunities to do so. Chimaev also assists when villagers fall ill or need support. He addressed critics who question his fighting frequency, stating he earns millions from the UFC and even more outside the octagon through his established name. He expressed satisfaction with his UFC compensation and described living his dream.
Hamzat Chimaev has revealed he personally funded the construction of a wrestling gym in his home village in Chechnya, spending between six hundred and seven hundred thousand dollars on the project to give local children access to training facilities.
The welterweight contender spoke openly about the investment, framing it as part of a broader commitment to his community. He made clear that fighting is not purely a personal pursuit, stating that the money he earns creates opportunities to help others. Beyond the gym, Chimaev said he steps in to support villagers when they fall ill or face hardship.
Chimaev also pushed back against critics who have questioned the gaps between his UFC appearances. He said he earns millions from the promotion and generates even more income outside the octagon through his public profile, suggesting the financial pressure to fight constantly simply does not apply to him. He described himself as living his dream and expressed satisfaction with his UFC compensation.
Why it matters
- The disclosure puts a rare public figure behind grassroots combat sports infrastructure in Chechnya, a region with deep wrestling traditions.
- Chimaev's comments on fight frequency add context to a career that has seen him used selectively by the UFC rather than kept on a busy schedule.
- His remarks about outside earnings highlight how top-tier UFC fighters increasingly monetize their names through endorsements and ventures beyond fight purses.
