Khamzat Chimaev vs Petr Yan: UFC Middleweight Champion Claps Back at Controversial Comments

UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has responded to recent comments made by Petr Yan regarding his nationality.

Chimaev secured the middleweight title at UFC 319 in August after defeating Dricus du Plessis by decision. This victory allowed him to emulate Petr Yan, who also captured a UFC championship as a Russian fighter.

Yan, a former bantamweight champion, extended his congratulations to Chimaev but simultaneously stated that he does not view `Borz` as a Russian champion because Chimaev now competes under the United Arab Emirates (UAE) flag, having reportedly received citizenship in January 2025.

Khamzat Chimaev Confirms His National Identity

Chimaev expressed his hurt and surprise at Yan`s public questioning of his national identity. Despite representing the UAE in the octagon, Chimaev emphasized his pride in his Russian heritage, particularly as the remarks came from someone he knows personally.

“I know Petr Yan personally, and he knows me. He knows that I speak the Russian language,” Chimaev told Aslanbek Badaev. “We used the same training facility, and he says, ‘I don’t consider Khamzat [a Russian fighter]’. How come, if you speak with me in Russian?

“Well, let’s take a look at this. Yan became a champion long before I did, right? He started making good money. Have I built a gym in Russia? Yes, I have. I’ve built roads in Russia. I’ve been helping the youth in Russia. I haven’t built a gym in the UAE for anyone. I don’t help anyone there. As they are wealthy, they help me, and I help my people.”

“Even his last name, that’s how I poked fun at him. How can a Chinese guy claim that a Chechen guy is not Russian? Of course, it bothered me a bit. I definitely represent Russia because I used to live here, and I grew up here. As long as people consider Chechnya a part of Russia, I am Russian.”

Petr Yan to Headline UFC 323

Petr Yan is unlikely to dwell on Chimaev`s retort, as he has more pressing matters on his professional agenda. UFC President Dana White recently announced two championship bouts scheduled to headline UFC 323 on December 6.

The co-main event will feature Alexandre Pantoja defending his flyweight title against Joshua Van. In the main event, bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili will defend his title in a rematch against Yan.

This bout will be a highly anticipated rematch of their March 2023 encounter, where Dvalishvili secured a dominant decision victory after setting a new record for takedowns.