Ramzan Kadyrov personally greeted Khamzat Chimaev at an airport runway in Chechnya after the fighter returned dwelling along with his newly gained UFC middleweight championship belt. The assembly adopted Chimaev’s unanimous choice victory over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in Chicago on August 16, 2025.
Ramzan Kadyrov Meets Khamzat Chimaev After Historic UFC Middleweight Victory
Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen Republic, was among the first to congratulate Chimaev after his title win. In a video message posted to social media, Kadyrov described the 31-year-old fighter as a descendant of historical Chechen leaders Sheikh Mansur and Baysangur, who fought against the Russian Empire during its 19th-century conquest of the North Caucasus. Video captured by Ushatayka.
The airport assembly represented the continuation of a long-standing relationship between the 2 males. Chimaev has maintained shut ties with Kadyrov for a number of years, ceaselessly showing collectively in social media posts and coaching periods. The Chechen chief has beforehand gifted the fighter luxurious vehicles, attended his marriage ceremony, and supplied numerous types of assist all through his profession.
Chimaev’s return to Chechnya marked his first trip home with a UFC title. During his post-fight speech at UFC 319, the fighter dedicated his championship victory to Adam Kadyrov, the Chechen leader’s 17-year-old son, whom he referred to by the nickname “Dustum”. The fighter held up the championship belt whereas declaring “Chechens, the belt is ours” and stating he would carry the title to the area.
The championship bout at UFC 319 noticed Chimaev dominate du Plessis throughout 5 rounds, with all three judges scoring the competition 50-44 in his favor. The victory prolonged Chimaev’s undefeated skilled report to 15-0 and marked his first UFC title after years of pursuing championship alternatives.
Chimaev’s path to fighting in the United States had been complicated by visa issues, which he attributed to his connections with Kadyrov, who has been sanctioned by the U.S. government since 2017 for alleged human rights violations. The fighter credited former President Donald Trump with helping him secure the necessary visa to compete at UFC 319.
The relationship between Chimaev and Kadyrov has drawn scrutiny from human rights organizations and MMA observers as a result of Chechen chief’s controversial record. Kadyrov has confronted sanctions from a number of Western nations for alleged abuses together with torture, extrajudicial killings, and persecution of minorities.
The victory established Chimaev as the primary UFC middleweight champion from Chechnya and positioned him among the many sport’s elite opponents. His dominant efficiency towards du Plessis, which included a UFC-record 529 strikes landed.
