Khamzat Chimaev’s rise in the UFC has been meteoric, to say the least. This Chechen-Swede’s arrival on the scene has been destructive, dramatic, and completely unforgettable.
The unbeaten sensation, known for his dominating performances, has left fans worldwide wondering: “When will Khamzat Chimaev fight next?” and more importantly, “Who will Khamzat Chimaev fight next?”
The wait is over. It’s official. Chimaev is set to make his anticipated return to the Octagon. The match-up is slated for UFC 294, where Chimaev will face Paulo “The Eraser” Costa in a middleweight showdown in Abu Dhabi.
Background
Born in Chechnya and trained in Sweden, Khamzat Chimaev has quickly become one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. With an undefeated record of 12 wins and no losses, Chimaev has proven his worth in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions.
He burst into international fame in 2020, dominating all his opponents, except Gilbert Burns, whom he still defeated in an electrifying unanimous decision bout. Known for his relentless attacks and versatile fighting skills, Chimaev holds the UFC modern record for the fastest three-fight winning streak, accomplished in a mere 66 days.
His opponent, Paulo Costa, is a seasoned Brazilian fighter with a record of 14 wins and 2 losses. Although he has suffered a couple of defeats, Costa’s strength and skill have led him to victories over some notable fighters. He recently ended a two-fight losing streak by earning a unanimous decision win over Luke Rockhold at UFC 278 in August 2022.
Khamzat Chimaev’s next fight
Chimaev’s next fight is set to be a riveting middleweight bout against Paulo Costa.
The fight is scheduled for October 21, 2023, and will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi as part of UFC 294. This much-anticipated fight was announced by UFC president Dana White and has since garnered significant attention from UFC fans worldwide. Although the card will be headlined by a lightweight title rematch between champion Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira, the Chimaev-Costa fight is expected to draw significant interest.
This match-up brings together two popular fighters known for their distinct styles and approach to the fight. Chimaev, with his undefeated record and quick finishes, is a force to reckon with in the Octagon. Meanwhile, Costa brings to the table his aggressive fighting style and durability, which has seen him win six of his eight UFC fights. As both fighters gear up for the fight, fans can anticipate a thrilling bout filled with action, power, and an intense display of MMA skills.
Chimaev’s Journey So Far
Tracing Khamzat Chimaev’s journey from Chechnya to UFC stardom is nothing short of a thrilling rollercoaster ride. At the tender age of five, he took his first steps into training, which later paved the way for six freestyle wrestling world championships under the Swedish Wrestling Federation. The move to Sweden at 18 years old, following his brother Artur, led Chimaev to the renowned BK Athen, a wrestling dojo where he bagged his wrestling titles from 2015 to 2017.
Although wrestling was his first love, Chimaev was no stranger to other forms of combat sports, like judo and combat sambo. It wasn’t long before he found himself training with some of the greatest names in MMA at the AllStar Training Center in Stockholm, including Alexander Gustafsson, a three-time UFC light heavyweight title challenger.
Despite the dabbling, Chimaev has been an absolute force in his professional career. He made his debut in the UFC as a middleweight but made a quick shift to welterweight, where he surged to become a top-five contender — showcasing adaptability between UFC weight classes. However, it’s questionable whether Chimaev will return to welterweight after he came in at 7.5 pounds over the 171-pound welterweight limit before his scheduled fight with Nate Diaz at UFC 279.
He’s now undefeated with a 12-0 record, and his potential as a title threat to UFC champions between 170 and 185 pounds is unquestionable.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Khamzat Chimaev’s next fight?
Khamzat Chimaev is set to return to the UFC octagon at UFC 294, which is scheduled for October 21, 2023, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Who is Khamzat Chimaev fighting next?
Khamzat Chimaev’s next opponent will be Paulo Costa at UFC 294.
Who did Khamzat Chimaev fight last?
Khamzat Chimaev’s last fight was against Kevin Holland, which ended in a swift first-round d’arce choke submission win for Chimaev.
How many fights has Khamzat Chimaev won?
Khamzat Chimaev currently holds an undefeated record, having won all of his 12 fights, six of which were in the UFC.
What weight class will Khamzat Chimaev’s next fight be in?
After some discussions about his optimal weight class, Khamzat Chimaev and his team decided to continue in the middleweight division. His next fight against Paulo Costa at UFC 294 will be in this weight class.