UFC star Khamzat Chimaev has recently opened up about the profound medical and personal challenges he has faced throughout his life and MMA career. Among the most startling revelations is that Chimaev underwent surgery to remove half of his thyroid, a condition that has significantly impacted his health and career trajectory.
In a candid interview on the Hustle Show, Chimaev disclosed that he had half of his thyroid removed due to health complications. The surgery left him with a weakened immune system, making him more vulnerable to illnesses—a significant hurdle for a professional athlete in a physically demanding sport.
“Half of the thyroid they removed for me,” Chimaev shared. “That’s a strong impact. This affects… half because of thyroid issues they removed for me.”
This compromised immunity poses unique challenges during fight camps and everyday interactions. The intense training schedule required for MMA, combined with constant exposure to fans, amplifies the risks.
“When you’re always training, whether you want it or not, your immunity drops,” Chimaev explained. “Fans come up, hug you, shake hands—they don’t think about whether you might have some infection. And when your immunity’s down, of course that infection spreads to you.”
Despite these health challenges, Chimaev’s doctors have assured him that his condition is stable post-surgery. “The doctor said everything’s normal now,” he noted, providing hope for his continued dominance in the UFC.
Chimaev’s journey is a testament to his resilience. He revealed enduring “five or six surgeries” and suffering “seven or eight fractures” over the course of his career. Despite repeated setbacks and warnings from doctors to retire, Chimaev has defied the odds.
“I’ve broken down many times, doctors said you won’t fight anymore. So far, I’m proving that I will,” Chimaev asserted.
Chimaev admitted that he competed against top-tier fighters Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman despite battling undisclosed ailments. Yet, he refrained from using these as excuses. “Before the Usman fight, I didn’t tell anyone. I’m not the kind of person who likes to talk about such things,” he said.
Before becoming an MMA superstar, Chimaev was no stranger to physical confrontation. He recounted his younger days, engaging in numerous brawls in his village.
“In the village, I fought with all the guys… older ones, younger ones, whoever I could,” he said. Interestingly, many of these former adversaries are now his friends.
Chimaev’s experiences shaped his aggressive style but also taught him the importance of channeling his energy constructively. “Thank God there’s such a sport [as MMA],” he reflected, emphasizing the positive outlet it provides for natural instincts.
As his star rises, Chimaev has faced the darker side of fame, including criticism and trolling on social media. He expressed disdain for anonymous internet users who hide behind fake profiles to post inflammatory comments.
“The internet is good in one way, but otherwise it’s a bad thing,” he remarked. “It’s a paradise for cowardly people who make hidden accounts, write bad things, and never show their face.”
Chimaev shared that he has confronted some online critics in person, often receiving apologies. “The only thing I heard was, ‘I was wrong,’ and ‘I’m sorry, brother,’” he recounted.
Despite this, Chimaev chooses not to dwell on negativity, focusing instead on his career and personal growth.
While navigating his health issues and burgeoning fame, Chimaev remains grounded. He avoids political controversies and has even declined invitations to meet high-profile individuals like Andrew Tate, prioritizing his training over superficial engagements.
“If I don’t know the person and don’t know what to talk about, I just say, ‘Guys, I can’t, I need to train,’” he explained.
Chimaev’s philosophy extends to his thoughts on leadership and peace. He expressed admiration for leaders who promote harmony, stating, “If any president wants peace on earth, that makes me happy.”
Khamzat Chimaev’s story is one of grit, resilience, and transformation. From battling health issues to navigating the pressures of fame, he has remained undefeated in the UFC and continues to inspire fans with his tenacity and humility.
With his thyroid surgery behind him and his health stabilized, Chimaev is focused on cementing his legacy in the UFC, proving that no obstacle—be it medical, physical, or personal—can deter him from his goals.
Khamzat Chimaev Takes Pride in Support from Head of Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov
Khamzat Chimaev embodies a unique blend of ferocity, resilience, and cultural pride. His journey from humble beginnings in Chechnya to dominating the middleweight division has been marked by extraordinary challenges, including serious health battles, a history of injuries, and unwavering ties to his roots. At the heart of Chimaev’s story is his controversial tie with Chechen leadership, particularly Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen Republic, who has played a pivotal role in the public narrative.
Chechen Pride and High-Level Support
Chimaev’s connection with Chechnya and its leadership has been a consistent source of motivation throughout his career. In interviews, the undefeated UFC star has expressed deep appreciation for Kadyrov’s presence at his side and unwavering support. “My head [leader] of the Chechen Republic constantly supports. They come for me and worry. And now came to the fight also,” Chimaev said after his UFC 294 victory over Robert Whittaker.
While Chimaev steers clear of delving into politics, preferring to focus on his career, he acknowledges the emotional significance of such support. “You feel this support. Of course you feel it,” he remarked in recent interview, signaling the pride he carries as a representative of Chechnya.
Battling Adversity: Health and Resilience
Chimaev’s rise to the top has not been without challenges. The star recently revealed a major health issue: the removal of half his thyroid, which significantly impacted his immune system and left him vulnerable to illnesses. This condition exacerbated the toll of grueling training camps and interactions with fans, making his achievements even more remarkable.
Despite the obstacles, Chimaev remains undeterred. His undefeated record stands as a testament to his resilience, even as he fought through health struggles in bouts against top contenders like Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman. “I’ve broken down many times. Doctors said you won’t fight anymore. So far, I’m proving that I will,” Chimaev said, showcasing his determination to defy expectations.
Loyalty and Personal Philosophy
Beyond his physical battles, Chimaev’s personal philosophy plays a critical role in his life and career. Known for his strong sense of loyalty, he values relationships that have supported him along the way. “If someone does something good for me, I don’t forget it. If someone does something bad, I don’t forget that either,” Chimaev explained in a recent interview.
From Brawls to Global Stardom
Chimaev’s journey from brawling in his Chechen hometown to dominating the UFC is a testament to his evolution. While his early days were marked by physical confrontations and personal disputes, he has since channeled that aggression into professional sports. “Thank God there’s such a sport,” he said, reflecting on the positive outlet MMA has provided.
Despite his transformation, Chimaev hasn’t forgotten his roots. Whether engaging with fans or facing online trolls, he remains grounded in his values. He critiques internet anonymity, calling social media “a paradise for cowardly people,” and emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts face-to-face.
Representing Chechnya on the Global Stage
Chimaev’s relationship with Ramzan Kadyrov and the Chechen Republic underscores his role as a cultural representative. Kadyrov played patron for many UFC stars but only Chimaev is of Chechen descent. Despite that, Kadyrov ties might’ve played a role in complicating Chimaev’s future but that might be resolved with the election of Donald Trump.
“I’m not into politics and don’t understand politics. I don’t try to speak for this president or that president.” Instead, he emphasized his focus on positive outcomes, especially peace, rather than engaging in partisan debates.
Reflecting on Trump’s reputation as a potential peacemaker, Chimaev said, “I heard that Trump said—well, I don’t know for sure if he said it or didn’t say it—people told me that when he becomes president, war will stop. I hope for that.”
There’s also the hope that Trump will help UFC resolve long standing visa issues tied to Chimaev.
