The Rise of Khamzat Chimaev – Next Khabib or Hype?

Introduction – A New Dagestani Beast?

Since Khamzat Chimaev entered the UFC in 2020, fans and analysts have been asking one question: Is Khamzat Chimaev the next Khabib Nurmagomedov? With an undefeated record, explosive fights, and dominant wrestling, the comparisons were inevitable. But is Chimaev’s rise based on undeniable skill or carefully managed hype?

This article offers a deep, analytical, and data-backed dive into Chimaev’s career trajectory, style, and the theoretical possibility of him becoming the next Khabib.

Who Is Khamzat Chimaev?

Born in Chechnya on May 1, 1994, Khamzat Chimaev moved to Sweden as a teenager, where he trained at the Allstars Training Center, the same gym that produced Alexander Gustafsson. He became an amateur wrestling champion in Sweden before turning to MMA

Key Details

• Nationality: Chechen-Swedish
  
• Weight Classes: Welterweight & Middleweight
  
• Fighting Out Of: Allstars Training Center, Stockholm
  
• Reach: 75 inches
  

Style: Wrestling, Sambo, Freestyle MMA

Khamzat Chimaev vs Khabib Nurmagomedov – A Stylistic Comparison

While both fighters come from wrestling-heavy backgrounds, their execution in the Octagon varies in subtle but important ways.

Chimaev vs Khabib Stats

Attribute	Khamzat Chimaev	Khabib Nurmagomedov
Record (as of 2025)	13-0	29-0
Takedown Accuracy	66%	48%
Takedowns/15 min	3.23	5.32
Control Time	60%+	65%+
Finishing Rate	92%	62%
Striking Style	Aggressive	Cautious, efficient
Notable Wins	Burns, Usman	McGregor, Gaethje

Breakdown

• Khabib focused on systematic pressure and control, minimizing risk.
  
• Chimaev often goes for finishes and is more willing to trade punches, as seen in his fight against Gilbert Burns.
  

Khamzat’s striking is more explosive, but less controlled.

Career Timeline – From Unknown to Title Contender

Key Fights & Results

Date	Opponent	Result	Method	Event
July 2020	John Phillips	Win	Submission (R2)	UFC Fight Island
Sept 2020	Gerald Meerschaert	Win	KO (17 sec)	UFC Vegas
April 2022	Gilbert Burns	Win	Unanimous Decision	UFC 273
Oct 2023	Kamaru Usman	Win	Decision	UFC 294

Bullet Highlights

• Fastest UFC turnaround: Two wins in 10 days
  
• 3 wins in 66 days — a UFC record
  
• Fought in two divisions and remained undefeated
  

Ranked in top 3 of Welterweight & Middleweight

Fighting Style What Makes Chimaev Different?

Wrestling Core

Like Khabib, Chimaev’s style is built around wrestling. He overwhelms opponents with relentless pressure.

• Takedown Pressure
  
• Top Control
  
• Ground and Pound

Striking Power

Unlike Khabib, Chimaev throws heavy hands with real knockout power. He knocked out Gerald Meerschaert in just 17 seconds, showcasing serious striking threat.

Chimaev’s Weaknesses Signs of Hype?

Despite his impressive record, analysts have raised concerns about Chimaev’s overall discipline and long-term success.

Criticisms

• Weight Cutting Issues – missed weight by 7.5 lbs at UFC 279
  
• Injury Prone – pulled out of several scheduled fights
  
• Defensive Gaps – exposed in fight against Gilbert Burns
  

The Gilbert Burns Test

That fight showed Chimaev can be pushed to the edge. He absorbed over 100 significant strikes, a sign that he’s beatable.

Expert Opinions – What the UFC World Thinks

Dana White (UFC President)

“This guy is a monster. He could be the next global star.”

Daniel Cormier (Former Champ)

“He reminds me of Khabib, but he’s more violent on the feet.”

Joe Rogan (UFC Commentator)

“Khamzat is scary, but reckless. If he fixes that, sky’s the limit.”

Psychological & Media Impact

• Fighters mentally fold before facing Chimaev.
  
• He brings Khabib-like intimidation, but mixed with Conor McGregor-style trash talk.
  

UFC has made him a poster boy for future dominance.

Theoretical Breakdown – Can Chimaev Surpass Khabib?

Strengths

• High-level wrestling
  
• Explosive knockout power
  
• Dual weight division threat
  
• Strong branding & global appeal
  

Weaknesses

• Risk-taking can cost him
  
• Durability untested vs elite strikers like Adesanya
  

Needs title defenses to cement legacy

UFC Stats Snapshot (as of June 2025)

Metric	Value
Total Fights	13
Wins	13
Finishes	12
Submission Wins	4
KO/TKO Wins	6
Striking Accuracy	59%
Takedown Accuracy	66%
Avg. Control Time/Fight	3 mins
Octagon Time Per Fight	4.5 mins

Verdict – Is Khamzat Chimaev the Next Khabib or Just Hype?

Chimaev is not a carbon copy of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
He is more violent, versatile, and marketing-driven — but also more flawed. While Khabib never lost a round decisively and retired unbeaten with a world title, Chimaev has yet to reach that level of proven dominance.

However, with the right fights — such as against Leon Edwards, Dricus Du Plessis, or Adesanya — he could surpass Khabib in influence and championship legacy.

Final Word:

• Chimaev has all the tools to be the next Khabib, but only if he maintains consistency, discipline, and evolves defensively.
  
• Until then, he is still a mix of hype and hope — with massive potential to ignite a new era in MMA.