- UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is accused of assaulting a U.S. Air Force veteran at Dubai International Airport in early February 2026
- Rich Patterson, 46, claims Chimaev kicked him in the chest when he approached to say hello between 1:00 and 2:00 a.m.
- Patterson says he was surrounded by Chimaev and seven or eight others before the alleged assault occurred
- The veteran states the incident was captured on airport CCTV cameras and that Chimaev may have been intoxicated
- Chimaev has not competed since winning the UFC middleweight title in August 2025 and has not responded to the allegations
Sources: mmamania.com | sports.yahoo.com
UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is facing assault allegations from a United States Air Force veteran who claims the fighter kicked him in the chest at Dubai International Airport earlier this month. The accusations surfaced Friday when Rich Patterson posted details of the alleged incident on Instagram.
Patterson, 46, says he was traveling alone through the DXB airport when he approached Chimaev to say hello. According to Patterson’s account, the encounter took place between 1:00 and 2:00 a.m. at some point in early February 2026.
Details of the Alleged Assault
In his Instagram post, Patterson describes being surrounded by Chimaev and seven or eight other people. He claims Chimaev then charged through the group and kicked him in the chest.
“I was literally surrounded by him and like 7 or 8 others when he decided to charge through and kick me in the chest,” Patterson wrote. “It’s all on CCTV.”
🤔Army vet accuses Khamzat Chimaev of assault at DXB airport
he claims Khamzat Chimaev charged him and kicked him in the chest
via 1rjpatterson IG pic.twitter.com/BSaCx5IgxR
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) February 28, 2026
Patterson says he was simply trying to greet the fighter and did not ask for a photo or autograph. He described himself as a fan who was humbly approaching someone he follows.
The veteran stated that no one should expect to be assaulted while traveling. He also suggested that Chimaev may have been intoxicated at the time of the alleged incident.
“No matter how early in the morning, no matter how hung over or intoxicated a ‘professional’ UFC fighter is, nobody deserves this,” Patterson wrote. “The stories and rumors about this guy’s wild antics are true. This guy tried to take me out.”
Chimaev’s Recent Fighting History
Chimaev has not competed inside the UFC Octagon since August 2025. He won the UFC middleweight title by defeating Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319.
The undefeated fighter has not yet defended his 185-pound championship. Fans have been waiting to see “Borz” return to action for his first title defense.
Chimaev is known for his aggressive fighting style and dominant performances. However, he has not previously been involved in public altercations with fans or non-fighters.
Patterson claims the entire incident was captured on airport security cameras. He emphasized his background as a husband, father, and brother to many people.
Chimaev has not yet publicly responded to the allegations. The UFC has also not issued any statement regarding the claimed airport incident.
The accusations come at a time when Chimaev has been inactive from competition. He was last seen at a UFC Fight Night event in Doha, Qatar in November 2025.
Patterson’s post began circulating on social media Friday and quickly spread through the MMA community. The allegations remain unverified at this time, with no official investigation announced.
Dubai International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports and has extensive security camera coverage throughout its terminals. If Patterson’s claims are accurate, video evidence of the incident would exist.
