Ramzan Kadyrov has once again captured global attention in the MMA community by presenting Khamzat Chimaev with a stunning luxury Mercedes Maybach following his triumphant victory in the UFC middleweight division. This extravagant gesture came shortly after Chimaev claimed the championship belt at UFC 319 in August 2025. Fans around the world were left in awe as videos and photos circulated showing the Chechen leader personally handing over the keys at Grozny airport. The gift symbolizes deep cultural ties and pride in Chimaev’s achievement as a representative of Chechen heritage on the international stage.
Many enthusiasts speculate about the motivations behind such generosity from a prominent political figure to a rising MMA star.
Khamzat Chimaev’s journey to UFC gold has been nothing short of remarkable since his explosive debut in the promotion back in 2020. Known affectionately as “Borz,” which means wolf in Chechen, he quickly earned a reputation for dominating opponents with relentless wrestling and ferocious striking. His undefeated record stood strong through challenging matchups against elite fighters like Robert Whittaker and Kamaru Usman before facing Dricus du Plessis for the title. At UFC 319 held in Chicago on August 16, 2025, Chimaev delivered a masterclass performance that silenced doubters and solidified his status as champion.
He controlled the fight from start to finish with superior grappling and ground-and-pound tactics.
The middleweight title bout against Dricus du Plessis showcased Chimaev’s evolution as a fighter who could maintain dominance over five grueling rounds. Du Plessis, a tough and durable champion prior to the event, found himself unable to mount significant offense against Chimaev’s pressure. Chimaev landed a UFC-record 529 significant strikes during the contest while accumulating nearly 22 minutes of control time on the mat. This overwhelming display ended with a unanimous decision victory that extended his perfect professional record to 15-0.
The win not only earned him the belt but also his sixth Performance of the Night bonus from the UFC organization.
Upon returning home to Chechnya, Khamzat Chimaev received a hero’s welcome that highlighted the strong connection between the fighter and his roots. Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen Republic, met him personally at the airport wearing a shirt featuring Chimaev’s image in a show of support. In an emotional moment, Chimaev presented his newly won UFC middleweight championship belt to Kadyrov as a gesture of shared pride for their people. Kadyrov reciprocated by gifting the luxury Mercedes Maybach, reportedly a GLS 600 model valued at around $180,000 or more depending on customizations.
This act reinforced the bond between the two figures in the public eye.
The Mercedes Maybach gifted to Khamzat Chimaev stands out as one of the most opulent vehicles in the luxury SUV category with its signature design elements. Featuring a powerful V8 engine, plush interior materials like premium leather and wood trim, and advanced technology for comfort and safety, the car represents ultimate status and sophistication. Many fans noted how the vehicle aligns perfectly with Chimaev’s rising profile as a world champion athlete. Previous reports indicate this was not the first time Kadyrov bestowed luxury cars upon Chimaev with earlier gifts including multiple Mercedes models after notable victories.
Such generosity underscores ongoing patronage and mutual respect.
Fans across social media platforms reacted with a mix of admiration and surprise to the news of this lavish present. Some praised the gesture as a fitting reward for Chimaev’s hard work and dedication to representing Chechnya proudly on the global MMA scene. Others expressed astonishment at the scale of the gift considering the high value involved and its timing right after securing the UFC title. Discussions online often highlighted how these moments blend sports achievement with cultural and political significance in regions like Chechnya.
The event quickly went viral generating thousands of views on videos showing the airport handover ceremony.
Khamzat Chimaev’s relationship with Ramzan Kadyrov has drawn considerable interest over the years due to its visibility and implications. Chimaev has openly acknowledged the support he receives from Kadyrov including assistance with various needs beyond material gifts. This dynamic extends to personal milestones such as Kadyrov attending Chimaev’s wedding which further deepened their connection. Critics sometimes question the political undertones of such associations given Kadyrov’s controversial international reputation. However supporters view it as natural pride in a successful son of Chechnya achieving greatness in combat sports.
The extravagant nature of the Mercedes Maybach gift leaves many wondering about the deeper reasons behind it according to widespread speculation. One prominent explanation centers on national pride and unity with Chimaev’s victory portrayed as a collective triumph for the Chechen people. Kadyrov himself emphasized this sentiment by accepting the belt and declaring the win belonged to everyone from their region. Another perspective points to longstanding patronage where influential leaders reward athletes who bring honor and visibility to their homeland. This pattern appears consistent with prior instances where Chimaev received vehicles after impressive performances in the octagon.
In the broader context of MMA culture gifting luxury items to fighters is not entirely uncommon especially among those with strong regional backing. Fighters from various backgrounds often receive cars houses or other rewards from sponsors admirers or government figures in their home countries. For Chimaev this latest Maybach adds to a collection that reflects his success and the esteem in which he is held. It also serves as motivation for aspiring athletes in Chechnya showing that excellence in sports can lead to substantial recognition and rewards from influential supporters.
Khamzat Chimaev’s path to the UFC middleweight throne involved overcoming skepticism about his activity level and injury concerns in previous years. Many predicted he would claim gold much earlier based on his early dominance but delays due to health issues pushed the timeline forward. His performance against du Plessis proved doubters wrong by demonstrating championship-level endurance and strategy. The record-setting strike output highlighted improved stand-up skills alongside his trademark wrestling prowess. This victory positions him as a dominant force likely to defend the belt against top contenders in the near future.
The MMA world continues to buzz about what comes next for the newly crowned champion after receiving such a high-profile gift. Potential challengers like Sean Strickland Nassourdine Imavov or others in the division express interest in testing themselves against Chimaev’s unbeaten streak. Debates rage about his fighting style with some calling past performances dominant while others critique perceived lack of excitement in certain fights. Regardless opinions agree that his title reign brings fresh energy to the 185-pound weight class. The Maybach gift adds an intriguing layer to his story blending athletic glory with cultural symbolism.
Ramzan Kadyrov’s involvement in celebrating Chimaev’s success extends beyond the airport ceremony with public statements reinforcing pride in the achievement. He expressed confidence in Chimaev’s victory long before the fight took place and urged continued support for the athlete. Such endorsements help elevate Chimaev’s status not just as a fighter but as a symbol of resilience and excellence for younger generations. The gesture of the luxury car serves as tangible proof of that backing inspiring discussions about loyalty gratitude and shared identity in the process.
As Khamzat Chimaev settles into his role as UFC middleweight champion the Mercedes Maybach stands as a gleaming reminder of his accomplishments and connections. Fans eagerly await his next title defense wondering how he will balance training commitments with the spotlight surrounding his life. The extravagant gift continues to spark conversations about the intersection of sports politics and culture in modern MMA. It underscores how victories in the cage can resonate far beyond the octagon influencing perceptions and relationships on a larger scale.
The stunned reaction from fans stems partly from the sheer value and timing of the present coming immediately after one of the biggest wins in Chimaev’s career. Social media threads dissect every detail from the model’s specifications to the symbolic meaning behind handing over the keys publicly. Some view it as motivational for fighters worldwide showing potential rewards for reaching the pinnacle. Others see it as emblematic of unique support systems available to certain athletes based on their origins. Either way the event has cemented itself as a memorable chapter in UFC history.
Looking ahead Khamzat Chimaev’s legacy will likely include these moments of celebration alongside his in-cage dominance. The Maybach gift represents more than material wealth it embodies recognition pride and ongoing encouragement from those who champion his journey. As the MMA community processes this development one thing remains clear Chimaev’s rise continues to captivate and inspire while his ties to influential figures add layers of intrigue. The reason behind the extravagant gesture ultimately ties back to shared triumph cultural honor and unwavering support for a champion who has brought glory home.