Woooo! Get ready to be blown away by the unstoppable force and awe-inspiring finishes of Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev, a rising star in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). With an electrifying fighting style and a relentless pursuit of victory, Chimaev has captured the attention of fans worldwide.
“Borz,” which translates to “wolf” in Chechen, perfectly encapsulates the ferocity and tenacity of Khamzat, a fighter whose reputation precedes him.
Renowned for his hilarious post-fight interviews and uproarious trash talk, Khamzat has become a beloved figure among fans. Allow me to share an unforgettable moment that recently dominated the internet: Khamzat’s sensational display following his showdown with Li Jingliang.
Born on May 1st, 1994, in Chechnya, Russia, the now 29 year-old Khamzat Chimaev embarked on a remarkable journey through the realm of combat sports, ignited by an innate talent and an unwavering commitment to his craft.
Immersed in the world of MMA, Khamzat’s life revolved around the gym, where he would not only rest his head but also thrive and evolve as a fighter. Within the octagon, he has astounded spectators with a mesmerising display of versatility, showcasing a sublime fighting style that encompasses a diverse array of skills.
His spectacular finishes have solidified his position as a rising star in the welterweight and middleweight divisions, and fans eagerly anticipate his future battles inside the Octagon.
Sadly, I couldn’t mention Khamzat vs. Burns in this list as it was won by decision, however, it was arguably his best fight leading to a victory. Something you should check out if you haven’t already.
In this feature, we document the explosive power and impressive wrestling skill set in Khamzat Chimaev’s Top 5 MMA Finishes! (in descending order)
5. Vs. Kevin Holland – UFC 279 (Sept. 10, 2022)
Khamzat Chimaev faced criticism when he missed weight for his scheduled fight against Nate Diaz, resulting in a last-minute schedule change. This turn of events left many fans and critics disappointed. However, despite the initial setback, Chimaev proved his resilience and determination in his subsequent bout against Kevin Holland at UFC 279.
Starting with a double leg, somehow Khamzat balances his weight perfectly on Kevin Holland, swivelling around him and eventually getting into a top mount position. Making Kevin Holland almost look like an amateur in wrestling.
The control Khamzat maintained on the floor in this fight was beyond incredible. Especially with Kevin Holland being a black belt in jujitsu.
Khamzat at 3 minutes 41 seconds left of the round, flipped Kevin Holland over onto his back in a D’arce choke further solidifying the control he managed to get over Kevin.
This then eventually led to a submission with a beautiful D’arce choke at 2:13 into the first round. A masterful performance by Khamzat and one that he made look easier than it should have been!
4. Vs. John Phillips – UFC Fight Island 1 (July 16, 2020)
Khamzat Chimaev made his promotional debut in the UFC on July 16, 2020, stepping in as a replacement for Duško Todorović.
Facing John Phillips, he displayed his grappling prowess and technical skills, securing a dominant second-round submission victory. The win showcased Chimaev’s ability to control the fight on the ground and set the tone for his future performances.
Within the first few seconds of the first round, Khamzat landed a left mid-section kick, dropping down low for the double-leg takedown. This is where he displayed good control on the ground against the cage, bringing Phillips to the corner.
With Phillips desperate to escape, Khamzat managed to wear him down with punches before slowly but swiftly wrapping around Phillips and grabbing his back. Sticking on him and wearing him down with repeated punches as he held him down, his legs trapped Phillips’ right leg to the floor preventing him from getting up.
With 2:14 left of the round, Khamzat had his chest pressed on Phillips’ back as he swung his fists round into his face from both sides. Complete control was demonstrated in this fight, Khamzat even using the ‘Dagestani handcuff’ to help pin his opponent to the mat – something we’ve seen from great fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov.
At the start of the second round, Khamzat shot for the double leg again and got it, realizing the amount of control he had in the first round.
Phillips was infuriated as Khamzat repeated where he left off in the first round. Transitioning from his back into side mount he gets his knee on Phillips’ belly forcing him to roll over in order to get up. This left his neck exposed for the D’arce choke from Khamzat with which he got the submission at 1:12 into the round. A beautiful finish for any fighter.
3. Vs. Rhys McKee – UFC Fight Island 3 (July 26, 2020)
Just ten days after the John Phillips fight, Chimaev faced promotional newcomer Rhys McKee at welterweight changing from middleweight.
Khamzat starts the first round as he usually does and gets straight into the double leg and manages to carry him to his corner using the ‘Dagestani handcuff’ to pin Rhys to the ground.
He maintains control and at 1:25 into the fight manages to get his back whilst digging his hooks into him.
After a couple of rear neck choke attempts from Khamzat, Rhys manages to turn away until 3:12 when Khamzat almost manages to get a decent rear neck choke. It looks tight but Khamzat looks as though he wants the TKO as he wraps around to his back delivering blow after blow, with the referee shouting at Rhys to protect himself or he’d end the fight.
Khamzat is relentless as he keeps wrapping around his opponent like a snake and forcing blow after blow on him until the referee decides to call it.
Despite the short turnaround, only 10 days from his last fight, Khamzat once again demonstrated his prowess, as he quickly overwhelmed McKee with his wrestling and ground striking. He secured a technical knockout victory in the first round.
His win marked not only his second Performance of the Night bonus award but also a new record in the modern UFC era. Chimaev became the fastest fighter in modern UFC history to achieve consecutive turnaround victories within just ten days.
2. Vs. Gerald Meerschaert – UFC Fight Night 178 (Sept. 19, 2020)
In a highly anticipated matchup, Chimaev faced Gerald Meerschaert and delivered an emphatic first-round 17-second knockout victory.
His relentless aggression and technical skills overwhelmed Meerschaert, solidifying Chimaev’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division.
Before the fight Khamzat teased Meerschaert for his black belt in jujitsu, saying “I’m a blue belt and I’m gonna choke you out”.
The sheer confidence Khamzat seemed to have for this fight really turned the heads of MMA fans and critics alike.
This fight didn’t end with a submission like predicted however, but instead finished before either fighter had the chance to take the fight to the ground. One straight right to the jaw dropped Gerald almost immediately.
A clean and stunning victory, definitely one for the highlight reels!
1. Vs. Li Jingliang – UFC 267 (Oct, 30, 2021)
This fight against Li Jingliang was astounding. An entertaining spectacle from start to finish that even had a good measure of showboating and trash talk mid-fight care of Khamzat.
Khamzat, almost as soon as the bell dings, goes in for the double leg and succeeds in manoeuvring himself around his opponent’s side grabbing him from his back and walking over and talking to Dana White (the UFC President). This is all whilst holding Li Jingliang up in the air, then slamming him to the ground, whilst STILL talking to Dana.
After this, he took his back, hooking his feet between Li’s legs. In desperation, Li tries to control his wrist but ends up being clobbered from above by Khamzat. Li tried posturing up but fell right into Khamzat’s hands – literally – and falls for the rear naked choke.
At 3:16 into round one, it was all over. Complete control and confidence from Khamzat left viewers in awe.
As Khamzat Chimaev continues his journey in the UFC, his electrifying finishes and relentless fighting style have solidified him as one of the most promising fighters in the welterweight and middleweight divisions.
Every fight is an opportunity for Chimaev to showcase his incredible talent to leave fans pretty stunned. All whilst being entertaining outside the ring as well as controversial too!
