UFC megastar Khamzat Chimaev cannot enter the United States currently. Dana White and co. undoubtedly must be exasperated at this since this means they cannot monetize one of their biggest stars in their biggest market where most of their events are held. For the time being, ‘Borz’ is relegated to the UFC’s Middle East events. This is why Chimaev is gearing up to face Robert Whittaker in Abu Dhabi on UFC 308 in late October. And it seems that Chimaev will not be able to enter the USA anytime in the near future either.
After all, what was the reason for Chimaev being banned from the States? Well, no one knows, but many suspect it might have to do with his close association with controversial Chechen dictator, Ramzan Kadyrov. Despite this significant setback that could hurt him a lot professionally, it seems ‘Borz’s love for the dictator is unmoved.
The latest example of this came as the UFC superstar took to social media to congratulate Kadyrov on his birthday. But it wasn’t just a simple birthday wish, no. Chimaev went on to profusely praise the Chechen head of state but also went on to credit him for his success and for ‘serving’ the people of Chechnya.
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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Khamzat Chimaev (@khamzat_chimaev)
“…Ramzan Akhmatovich is the main motivator for me, because it was thanks to him, by the will of the Almighty, that my career was renewed and acquired a second wind… For all this, I am very grateful to him and will be so all my life. We all know what role he plays in the life of our people, region, and country as a whole, and how he is loved and respected everywhere. Once again, I congratulate you, Ramzan Akhmatovich, on your birthday…,” Chimaev wrote in part on Instagram. And UFC fans, of course, were not happy about it.
Fans react to Khamzat Chimaev’s heartfelt birthday message for Ramzan Kadyrov
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One fan pointed out the obvious fact that this closeness to Kadyrov is precisely why Chimaev is having trouble getting into the US, clearly cautioning him against it: “This is why you can’t fight in the US”
Another fans wholeheartedly shared this sentiment: “This is why you’re facing visa issues rather”. One Instagram user was so disgusted at what they saw as ‘Borz’ being sycophantic that they commented: “Bow down to your master.”
Another fan seconded this and felt it was unbecoming of a fighter like Chimaev, calling the ethnic Chechen: “Meatrider lmao”. Another fan was more disappointed and sad than angry at Chimaev, observing defeatedly: “You’re so lost”
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Another fan pointed out the various charges and allegations against Kadyrov, seemingly surprised ‘Borz’ would talk so highly of someone like the Chechnyan dictator: “Is this the guy that has all the complaints against him”
What are your thoughts on Khamzat Chimaev’s birthday wish for Kadyrov?
“This Is Why You Can’t Fight in the US” – Khamzat Chimaev Faces Heat Before UFC 308 as Fans Tear Into Undefeated Fighter’s Political Tie-Ups
