UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has responded to Petr Yan’s recent remarks questioning his national identity.
Chimaev, who captured the middleweight title by defeating Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in August, was congratulated by Yan — but the former bantamweight champion added that he didn’t view Chimaev as a “Russian champion” because he now represents the United Arab Emirates, having gained UAE citizenship in January 2025.
Speaking to Aslanbek Badaev, Chimaev admitted the comments took him by surprise, especially coming from someone he knows personally.
“I know Petr Yan personally, and he knows I speak Russian,” Chimaev said. “He says I’m not Russian, but I’ve built gyms in Russia, built roads, and helped the youth there. I haven’t built anything in the UAE — they help me, and I help my people.”
Chimaev, who was born in Chechnya, reaffirmed his Russian identity. “Of course, it bothered me a bit. I definitely represent Russia because I grew up there. As long as Chechnya is part of Russia, I am Russian,” he said.
Meanwhile, Petr Yan has shifted focus to his upcoming title shot at UFC 323 on December 6. The event will feature Yan’s rematch with bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, who defeated him in March 2023, while Alexandre Pantoja defends his flyweight belt against Joshua Van in the co-main event.
