Abu Dhabi – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev, celebrating the fighter’s historic victory in Chicago. The meeting took place at Qasr Al Bahr, with Sheikh Mohamed extending his congratulations on Chimaev’s unprecedented achievement.
During the meeting, the UAE President praised Chimaev for his dedication, wishing him continued success in his sporting career and encouraging him to pursue further international honours. The recognition underlines the nation’s growing commitment to supporting athletes and nurturing talent on a global scale.
Chimaev, a Dubai-based fighter, expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed for the strong support of the country’s sports sector. He noted that the UAE’s investment in athletes has helped raise the profile of Emirati competitors internationally, enabling them to achieve world-class success in sports.
The fighter made history in August at UFC 319 by capturing the Middleweight title with a dominant performance against Dricus Du Plessis. The bout ended in a unanimous decision, with Chimaev winning all rounds on the scorecards. He dropped Du Plessis, the defending champion, within the first ten seconds and maintained control throughout the match.
At 31, Chimaev carries the UAE flag with pride. Having received his UAE passport in February 2025, he entered the Octagon representing the nation and celebrated his victory holding the flag. His performance extended his unbeaten record to 15-0, marking him as one of the most formidable fighters in UFC history.
The fight also saw Chimaev shatter multiple UFC records. ESPN reported that he landed a total of 529 strikes, surpassing Max Holloway’s previous record of 447 strikes set in 2021. This record-breaking achievement has solidified Chimaev’s reputation as a dominant force in the sport.
Experts say Chimaev’s success is a testament to his disciplined training, dedication, and the UAE’s growing infrastructure for nurturing elite athletes. The nation has increasingly positioned itself as a hub for international sporting events, attracting talent and providing opportunities for athletes to shine on the world stage.
Chimaev’s victory is not only a personal triumph but also a milestone for UAE sports. The nation’s leadership has emphasized the importance of sports in promoting national pride, wellness, and international recognition. Chimaev’s accomplishments are expected to inspire a new generation of Emirati athletes.
The meeting at Qasr Al Bahr also highlighted the strong relationship between athletes and the country’s leadership. Chimaev’s achievements reflect the UAE’s long-term vision for sports development, demonstrating that with the right support, homegrown talent can achieve global recognition and success.
As Chimaev continues his UFC journey, fans and officials alike are eager to witness his next victories. His historic performance and record-breaking strike count have already cemented his place in MMA history, while further contributions to UAE sports are anticipated in the coming years.
The UAE’s commitment to nurturing athletes like Chimaev continues to shape the nation’s presence in international sports arenas, reinforcing its reputation as a growing powerhouse in martial arts and competitive sports.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members