Khamzat Chimaev discusses spending $700,000 to build gym in home village

Khamzat Chimaev has revealed that he personally funded the construction of a training gym in his home village, disclosing an investment of $700,000 in the project.

Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," shared the details in a video, though specifics about the facility's features and exact location were limited in his announcement. The expenditure represents a substantial commitment to developing athletic infrastructure in the community where he grew up.

The 32-year-old is currently ranked first in the UFC middleweight division and tenth in the pound-for-pound standings, carrying a professional record of 15 wins and 1 loss. Fighting out of the United Arab Emirates and training at Allstars Training Center, Chimaev has built a reputation as one of the most well-rounded threats in the sport. He averages 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute at a striking accuracy of 60 percent, while also posing a relentless grappling threat with 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, the orthodox fighter combines physical tools with a suffocating all-around game that has carried him to the top of his division.

Why it matters

• The investment signals Chimaev's intent to give back to his roots and potentially develop future combat sports talent in his native community.
• At 32 and ranked number one at middleweight, Chimaev remains a central figure in one of the UFC's most competitive divisions.
• A dedicated training facility in his home village could expand the reach of MMA development beyond established training hubs.