Khamzat Chimaev Returns to American Soil After Two-Year Absence
The wolf is back on the hunt in America.
After nearly two years away from U.S. soil, UFC middleweight phenom Khamzat Chimaev has finally returned to the United States. The undefeated Chechen-born fighter, who has become one of the most feared competitors in the promotion, hasn’t competed on American soil since his blood-soaked war against Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 in April 2022.
For fans who’ve been wondering where “Borz” has been, the visa issues that kept him competing exclusively in Abu Dhabi appear to be resolved. This return opens up massive possibilities for the UFC’s 185-pound division.
Why Chimaev’s U.S. Return Is a Game-Changer
I’ve been covering MMA for years, and few fighters create the electricity Chimaev does. His return to America isn’t just a travel update – it’s potentially reshaping the entire UFC middleweight landscape.
Since his last American appearance, Chimaev has fought just twice: a first-round submission of Kevin Holland at UFC 279 and his razor-close decision victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 last October. Both fights took place in Abu Dhabi, limiting his exposure to American audiences.
The timing couldn’t be better. With middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis looking for his next challenge and top contender Israel Adesanya in the mix, Chimaev’s visa clearance puts him right back in the conversation for either a title shot or a number one contender bout.
What This Means for UFC Matchmaking
Chimaev’s return to the States completely transforms the UFC’s booking options. For nearly two years, the promotion has been forced to place him exclusively on Abu Dhabi cards, limiting potential matchups based on who was willing to travel.
Now? The handcuffs are off. Chimaev can be booked against anyone, anywhere in America, opening doors for blockbuster fights that were previously impossible to make.
Here are the most likely scenarios for Chimaev’s next move:
| Potential Opponent | Why It Makes Sense | Excitement Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Winner of Du Plessis vs. Adesanya | Title shot based on undefeated record | 10/10 |
| Sean Strickland | Styles clash plus built-in bad blood | 9/10 |
| Robert Whittaker | True test against elite striker | 8/10 |
The Weight Class Question Finally Settled
After years of bouncing between welterweight and middleweight (and missing weight in high-profile situations), Chimaev appears to have finally found his home at 185 pounds. His frame was always massive for welterweight, and the brutal weight cuts likely contributed to health issues that forced him to withdraw from multiple bookings.
The move to middleweight seems permanent now, and based on his performance against Usman, Chimaev clearly belongs among the division’s elite. His grappling remains otherworldly, and the power has carried up with him.
You can see the difference in his physique, too. Chimaev looks healthier and more sustainable at middleweight – no more of those scary weight cuts that had him coughing up blood in the past.
What Fighters Are Saying About Chimaev’s Return
The reaction from other middleweights has been predictably mixed. Some are calling him out, others are suspiciously quiet. The reality is Chimaev represents the highest risk/reward proposition in the division – a relatively low-ranked fighter with arguably the most dangerous skill set of anyone not holding a belt.
Sean Strickland, never one to hold back, recently told me, “I don’t care where that guy fights. In America, Abu Dhabi, the moon… if the UFC wants us to fight, I’ll fight him anywhere.”
Meanwhile, current champion Du Plessis has acknowledged Chimaev as a future challenger, noting, “He’s obviously talented, but he needs more top-level wins at middleweight before we talk about a title shot.”
What’s Next for the Chechen Wolf?
With International Fight Week approaching and major cards scheduled for the remainder of 2024, don’t be surprised if the UFC fast-tracks Chimaev into a high-profile bout on American soil before summer’s end.
The promotion has invested heavily in building Chimaev as a potential superstar, and his 12-0 record with 11 finishes speaks for itself. Now that visa issues are behind him, expect to see him in a main event or co-main spot on a major pay-per-view by fall at the latest.
For fans, this is nothing but good news. One of the most dominant and exciting fighters in the sport is back where the biggest fights happen. The middleweight division just got a lot more interesting.
Are You Excited for Chimaev’s American Return?
What fight would you most like to see for Khamzat now that he can compete in the U.S. again? Drop your dream matchup in the comments below!
Source: Vox