Russian middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev is set to face UFC champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in Chicago on Saturday. Despite struggling with health issues and visa complications, Chimaev has remained focused on his goal of becoming a UFC champion.
Chimaev’s journey to the title fight has been marked by challenges, including a severe case of COVID-19 that hospitalized him multiple times in 2021. He also faced difficulties with international travel due to his Chechen citizenship and U.S.-Russian relations. However, Chimaev secured a visa earlier this year, allowing him to compete on home soil.
The 31-year-old fighter has been driven by a desire to provide for his family and community, citing the struggles of poverty in his native Chechnya as a major motivator. His Brazilian jiu-jitsu trainer Alan Nascimento believes Chimaev’s motivation stems from taking care of his loved ones, rather than just personal success.
In preparation for the fight, Chimaev has been working on his mental toughness and focus, prioritizing rest, nutrition, and social habits to manage his medical condition. His team, led by manager Jonathan Michael Knapek (“Sweep”), is confident that these adjustments will pay off in the Octagon.
Chimaev’s opponent, Du Plessis, has made a career out of proving doubters wrong, but Chimaev remains the betting favorite according to ESPN BET. The Russian fighter’s impressive record and unbeaten streak have earned him a reputation as one of the most intriguing figures in MMA.
As Chimaev prepares for his title fight, he is driven by a desire to make money for himself, his family, and his community. While he acknowledges that becoming a UFC champion would be a significant achievement, Chimaev emphasizes that it’s not just about personal success – but also about helping others.
With the odds in his favor, Chimaev is confident that his hard work will pay off on Saturday. His trainer Alan Nascimento plans to hype him up before the fight, reminding Chimaev of why he’s competing. However, Chimaev has a different approach, saying that once he steps into the cage, “my heart, it’s closed. It’s going to fight anyway.”
Source: https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/45958583/why-khamzat-chimaev-only-now-fighting-championship-versus-dricus-du-plessis-ufc-319