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Khamzat Chimaev is one of the fastest-rising stars in the UFC. The No.3-ranked welterweight was born in Chechnya and spent a major part of his childhood there before moving to Sweden.
'Borz' is known for making regular trips back to Chechnya to visit family and friends. Interestingly, this time around, Chimaev seems to be a guest of the leader of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov.
What's more interesting is that Chimaev seems to be serving as a sparring partner for the leader's sons.
One of the most exciting and unique talents in the UFC, 'Borz' is known for his vicious fighting style. However, a quick glance at photos of him sparring with Kadyrov's sons indicates that he might be going a little too easy on them.
Check out the tweet below:
Fans have reacted to the photos with a variety of takes.
One Twitter user speculated that Khamzat Chimaev may not have a choice in the matter.
Another compared Chimaev to UFC legend Chuck Liddell.
One shared that they would be unwilling to take Chimaev's place, regardless of the payday.
Instead, one fan focused on Kadyrov:
Finally, Chimaev was suspected of being a victim of the situation.
In comments on a similar post shared to Khamzat Chimaev's Instagram, fans speculated that the situation could be forced.
Check out the Instagram post below:
@alexdubinskiy and @m.abba.omar shared similar sentiments, stating, respectively:
"Leader of Chechnya got some North Korea energy with these forced posts lol"
"The kid who is " touching" Khamzat is kadyrovs son that's why khamzat is forced to put these pics on Instagram"
@akmat_ovvv questioned why Chimaev would partake in such events:
"Why you shaming yourself like that bro?"
@eminsenfoto advised 'Borz' to blink for help:
"Blink twice if you're held hostage"
Check out the comments below:
Chael Sonnen believes Khamzat Chimaev cost himself title shot by missing weight
Khamzat Chimaev shockingly missed weight by 7.5 pounds at UFC 279, forcing the entire card to be reshuffled. While Chimaev dominated his eventual opponent, Kevin Holland, MMA analyst Chael Sonnen believes he may have cost himself a title shot.
Speaking on his Beyond the Fight podcast, Sonnen stated:
"I believe had that match [against Nate Diaz] taken place, had it taken place at the agreed upon weight class and had it gone the way that the oddsmakers predicted, I believe Chimaev would have been standing in there with Leon."
Sonnen shared that he believes the only promise that was made was to Khamzat Chimaev. While fans will never truly know if Sonnen is correct, it is important to note that before Chimaev missed weight, Kamaru Usman was still the likely candidate for Leon Edwards' first title defense.
Catch Chael Sonnen's full comments on the welterweight title picture below:
