Khamzat Chimaev claimed he lost his recent close decision because all judges were American, the organization is American, and his opponent was American, while he was the only Chechen involved. Separately, former Bellator and Strikeforce president Scott Coker is launching a new grand prix-format promotion with 12 events per year, targeting an early 2027 start.
Khamzat Chimaev has attributed his recent split or close decision loss in the UFC to the nationality of those involved, arguing the outcome was predetermined against him as the only Chechen in the equation.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," made the remarks publicly, claiming that with American judges, an American organization, and an American opponent, he stood little chance of receiving a fair verdict. The 32-year-old is currently ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth on the pound-for-pound list, carrying a record of 15-1-0. Fighting out of Allstars Training Center and representing the United Arab Emirates, Chimaev has built one of the most statistically dominant profiles in the sport — landing 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 60 percent accuracy, while averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes. At six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he has long been considered one of the most complete fighters in the world at 185 pounds.
In a separate development, former Bellator and Strikeforce president Scott Coker is reported to be launching a new MMA promotion built around a grand prix format, with plans for 12 events per year and a targeted launch in early 2027.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's comments add controversy around his loss and raise questions about his future trajectory in the middleweight division, where he holds the number-one ranking
- His grievances, whether fair or not, could influence how and when he pursues a title shot
- Coker's reported new promotion represents a potential shift in the competitive landscape for fighter contracts and talent acquisition
- A grand prix format with 12 annual events would position the new organization as a serious rival for MMA market share ahead of its 2027 debut
