After a nearly three-year absence, “Borz” is back in the USA. Undefeated sensation Khamzat Chimaev is set to make his long-awaited return to the United States to fight for the middleweight title at UFC 319 in Chicago. Chimaev, who has faced persistent visa issues, now credits a surprising figure for his return: President Donald Trump. The Chechen-born fighter, who faces champion Dricus du Plessis on August 16, expressed his belief that Trump’s influence was the key to finally getting his visa approved.
Chimaev’s Visa Saga and Political Connections
For the past few years, Chimaev has been unable to compete on American soil, with his last two fights taking place in Abu Dhabi. This travel ban was widely believed to be linked to his connections with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who was sanctioned by the U.S. government in 2020 for human rights violations. This made it virtually impossible for Chimaev to obtain the necessary documents to enter the country.
However, things have now changed, and Chimaev has been preparing for his championship bout with du Plessis in a training camp in California. When asked about his visa, Chimaev was direct and to the point.
“This wasn’t my bad. This wasn’t my fault,” Chimaev told MMA Fighting. “Everyone knows I didn’t have the visa to the U.S. That’s why I didn’t fight only once in Abu Dhabi. So now Donald Trump is here, we go for a fight.”
The Trump-Dana White Connection
The connection between Chimaev’s visa and President Trump is not as far-fetched as it may seem. UFC CEO Dana White has maintained a close friendship and working relationship with Trump for over two decades. White has been a vocal supporter of the former president, and Trump has made numerous appearances at UFC events. This close relationship has led many to speculate that White may have used his influence to help Chimaev secure his visa.
Trump has even announced plans to host a historic UFC card at the White House in 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. While Chimaev’s visa issues appear to be resolved for now, he was skeptical about being included in such an event.
“Look at my face. I don’t think so,” he said with a smile when asked about a White House fight. “They [would deport me] to an immigrant camp or whatever.”
Chimaev has consistently downplayed his interest in politics, stating that he is an athlete who only wants to fight and provide for his family. He admitted to being confused by the idea of an event at the White House.
“I don’t understand why they’re going to put the fights over there,” Chimaev said. “I don’t understand. Why politics are used with sports together. I don’t know.”
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Fighter | Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev |
| Event | UFC 319 in Chicago, Illinois |
| Opponent | Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis |
| Visa Issues | Chimaev was unable to enter the U.S. for nearly three years due to ties to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. |
| Visa Breakthrough | Chimaev credits President Donald Trump for his visa approval. |
| White House Event | Trump has announced plans for a UFC event at the White House in 2026. |
| Chimaev’s Stance | Chimaev wants to keep sports and politics separate and is skeptical about being invited to a White House event. |
Why has Khamzat Chimaev been unable to fight in the U.S.?
For nearly three years, Chimaev had struggled to obtain a visa to the United States. His visa issues were widely believed to be a result of his public association with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who has been sanctioned by the U.S. government.
Who is Khamzat Chimaev fighting at UFC 319?
Khamzat Chimaev will challenge Dricus du Plessis for the UFC middleweight championship in the main event of UFC 319, which takes place on August 16 in Chicago.
Why does Chimaev credit Donald Trump for his visa?
Chimaev, in a recent interview, made a direct link between his visa being approved and the return of President Trump. He said, “So now Donald Trump is here, we go for a fight.” This statement is likely based on the well-known friendship between Trump and UFC CEO Dana White.
What is Chimaev’s stance on politics and fighting?
Despite his associations, Chimaev has consistently maintained that he is an athlete, not a political figure. He expressed his confusion and dislike for mixing politics with sports, particularly in reference to a planned UFC event at the White House.
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