Khamzat Chimaev has revealed that he spent between $600,000 and $700,000 constructing a wrestling gym for children in his village in Chechnya. Chimaev explained that he does not fight only for himself and emphasized that money provides opportunities to help people. He stated that he loves money because it enables him to assist villagers, including helping those who are sick. Addressing critics of his inactivity, Chimaev said he does not care about the criticism because he is earning millions and living his dream. He also mentioned that he earns even more outside of fighting due to the name recognition he has built, attracting sponsors and business opportunities wherever he goes. Chimaev expressed satisfaction with his UFC earnings.
Khamzat Chimaev has revealed that he personally funded the construction of a wrestling facility for children in his home village in Chechnya, spending between $600,000 and $700,000 on the project.
The number-one ranked UFC middleweight, who carries a 15-1 record and sits tenth on the pound-for-pound list, explained that the investment reflects his broader motivation for competing. Chimaev, 30, stated that he does not fight solely for himself and that money gives him the power to help people, including sick members of his community. The Chechen-born fighter, who now represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center, expressed that building the gym for young wrestlers is exactly the kind of purpose his earnings allow him to pursue.
Chimaev also addressed critics who have questioned his recent inactivity, dismissing the complaints and noting that he is earning millions while living out his dream. He added that his income extends well beyond his UFC purses, with the name he has built inside the cage drawing sponsors and business opportunities that generate significant revenue outside of fighting.
Why it matters
- Chimaev remains the top-ranked middleweight despite criticism over his fighting schedule, and his comments suggest he is comfortable with his current position in the division.
- His financial profile, built partly on endorsements and business ventures, illustrates how elite UFC ranking and brand recognition translate into income streams beyond the octagon.
- The facility investment in Chechnya underscores the personal and community-driven motivations Chimaev says sit alongside his competitive career.
Inside the cage, the six-foot-two, 188-centimeter wrestler with a 75-inch reach has been one of the division's most dominant physical forces, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing significant strikes at a 60 percent accuracy rate throughout his career.
