On a sunny Sunday morning, middleweight fighter Khamzat Chimaev walks barefoot through his temporary home in California. Just 13 days away, he will face for the first time for the UFC title, challenging champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in Chicago. This opportunity, awaited for years, seems to be far from “Borz’s” mind. Instead of focusing on the combat, he wanders aimlessly through the living room. His nutritionist and chef, Matteo Capodaglio, should be preparing lunch, but the day’s plans have changed. Chimaev, after sleeping in and canceling a recovery session, seems to be following in the footsteps of Dennis Rodman, needing a break from the routine.
The solution for Chimaev is simple: the beach. After a brief dip and some training on the sand, his spirits lift. Back home, he shares a moment of wrestling with his teammate Issa Isakov, while Capodaglio serves freshly baked bread and fish. “Rodman Day” has worked once again. For Chimaev’s team, it’s encouraging to see him like this. After the health problems he has faced, including post-COVID-19 complications and thyroid surgery, his lifestyle has changed significantly. Now he avoids crowds and focuses on preparing for the fight. The most important recovery is here. In the midst of rumors about a possible retirement if he wins the title, Chimaev responds with determination: “This is not enough, just going for a title. Hopefully, if I don’t get injured, I will defend the belt, I will fight for another belt.” The idea of Chimaev retiring at the peak of his career seems absurd, considering his recent dominant victory over Robert Whittaker and his popularity in the UFC. However, health problems and travel complications have influenced his career. The fighter has had to deal with international travel issues due to his Chechen citizenship and the US sanctions against the leader of the republic, Ramzan Kadyrov. However, with citizenship from the United Arab Emirates and the arrival of Donald Trump to power, the situation has improved. Chimaev, motivated by the desire to help his family and the young people of his town, seems to be more focused on the well-being of others than on fame and wealth.You can see in his personality, his fire is starting to go out. That’s when you know you need to let him loose for a day. Let him do what he wants, and he’ll come back like a monster.
Sweep, Chimaev team member
Khamzat Chimaev will fight for the UFC championship in Chicago.
The former UFC fighter, Ilir Latifi, remembers Chimaev training alone at the Allstars Training Center gym in Sweden, demonstrating an exceptional work ethic. Chimaev’s jiu-jitsu coach, Alan “Finfou” Nascimento, believes that the fighter’s motivation comes from his desire to take care of his family, who suffered poverty in Chechnya. Chimaev has fulfilled that motivation, building houses for his family and planning a gym for local youth.Chimaev acknowledges that, although the UFC belt is not his main motivation, he does seek the money to help others. Despite the challenges, the fighter is ready to fight, with a closed heart and the usual determination. The weekend’s fight against Du Plessis represents a new challenge for Chimaev, who will face a champion who has proven to be a formidable rival. The odds favor Chimaev, and the world eagerly awaits his performance in the octagon.
