Khamzat Chimaev revealed his combat sports idols during a recent interview. He stated that no MMA fighter, including himself, has reached the level of greatness achieved by Jon Jones, Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, and Buvaisar Saitiev. Chimaev emphasized that all current fighters are still far from matching these legends. He believes fighters must accomplish something truly special to approach their level of achievement. The post characterized his list of idols as worthy of respect.
Khamzat Chimaev opened up about the fighters and athletes he holds in the highest regard during a recent interview, naming Jon Jones, Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, and wrestling legend Buvaisar Saitiev as his personal idols in combat sports.
Chimaev, 30, made clear that no active MMA fighter — himself included — has come close to matching the greatness those names represent. He stressed that reaching their level requires accomplishing something truly extraordinary, and that current fighters, in his view, still have a long road ahead of them.
The 32-year-old Chimaev carries a 15-1-0 record and currently sits at number one in the middleweight division, as well as tenth on the pound-for-pound rankings. Fighting out of the United Arab Emirates and training at Allstars Training Center, the fighter known as "Borz" is one of the most dominant grapplers in the sport, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 60 percent and 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute.
Among his idols, Jones stands as perhaps the most decorated figure in UFC history. "Bones" holds a 28-1-0 record, stands six-foot-four with an 84-inch reach of 213 cm, and has posted a striking accuracy of 58 percent along with 4.38 significant strikes landed per minute across his career.
Why it matters
- Chimaev placing himself below Jones underscores the respect the pound-for-pound conversation still commands around the longtime light heavyweight champion.
- His inclusion of Tyson and Ali alongside a wrestling great in Saitiev reflects the wide range of influences shaping his approach to combat sports.
- As the number one middleweight contender, Chimaev remains one of the most watched figures in the division, and his public comments draw consistent attention to his mindset and motivations.
