UFC (DR) / @khabib_nurmagomedov
Stars so close and at the same time so different, Khamzat Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov have not always had the best relations. Moreover, a rumor of beef between the two men has been spreading for several years, without anyone knowing the end of the story. But for the first time, “Borz” raised the subject bluntly. And it is clear.
Are Khamzat Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov on good terms? This is one of the lingering questions in the MMA fan community. It must be said that between the Chechen and the legend of Dagestan, several points of contention have enamelled the last few years. Their beef notably involved Abubakar Nurmagomedov, cousin of Khabib, whom Khamzat later forgave.
More recently, the Eagle criticized Chimaev for his weigh-in fiasco at UFC 279, before members of both sides came to blows on the sidelines of UFC 280. Khabib had then buried the hatchet. But what does Khamzat think?
Khamzat Chimaev breaks the ice on Khabib
Guest of MMA Hour at the microphone of Ariel Helwani, “Borz” confirmed that everything was fine between the two men, and that he only feels respect for his elder. After several years of misunderstandings and clashes, these words are a pleasure to hear:
I’ve always been on good terms with Khabib. Everyone thinks I have problems with him, but I never had any.
Well, we had some problems and “discussions” with his cousin, but nothing too serious. We exchanged a few punches in Abu Dhabi, it’s true, but it’s normal. Where I come from, and more broadly in Dagestan and Chechnya, it happens that we fight like that, and then we become brothers again.
I’ve never had a problem with Khabib, I’ve always been good with this guy. Everyone posts stuff saying I hate Khabib, or Khabib hates me, but we never had a problem, really. I quite like this guy. Why shouldn’t I like him well? I always watched his fights, and I learned a lot from him.
That should put a definitive end to the rumors. The heavy liabilities between the two clans remain, and it’s a safe bet that Khabib and Khamzat will never be the best of friends. But at least mutual respect trumps everything else, and that’s to be welcomed.
Despite the statements, the altercations and all the rest, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Khamzat Chimaev each assure it: they have no problem with the other. We will therefore trust the word of these two men, and rejoice!
