UFC star Khamzat Chimaev has come to the defense of UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria, offering rare insight into the Georgian-Spanish fighter’s personality beyond his brash public persona.
In a recent interview with journalist Adam Zubayraev, Chimaev reflected on his history with Topuria, dating back to their time at the Al-Stari training facility, well before Topuria had achieved global fame.
“Well, of course, at that time he was a good top fighter, he was brave,” Chimaev recalled. “It was clear to him that he wants to achieve something in his life. And the guy has achieved all the heights that can be achieved in this sport.”
Topuria has faced criticism for his confident, sometimes provocative approach to promotion, particularly his outspoken trash talk before and after bouts. His recent callouts have only amplified both his profile and the backlash from some fans.
When asked about Topuria’s controversial promotional style, Chimaev offered a nuanced perspective that distinguishes between the public character and the private individual.
“Many people don’t like it because of the story, but others understand that it’s like he’s promoting his fight, it’s like making him famous,” Chimaev explained. “Well, if everyone would be silent, there would probably be no such interest.”
Chimaev, known as “Borz,” then shared his personal experience with Topuria away from the cameras: “In my life, I met him, sat with him, we talked… a decent guy, a decent guy.”
This endorsement carries particular weight coming from Chimaev, who has established himself as one of the UFC’s most intimidating competitors with an undefeated professional record. The Chechen-born Swedish fighter has typically maintained a straightforward approach to his own fight promotion, letting his dominant performances speak volumes.
Sports marketing experts note that Topuria’s rise to championship status has coincided with his increasingly confident media appearances, a strategy that has proven effective in building his profile and securing bigger opportunities within the organization.
These insights from Chimaev suggest that the featherweight king’s public persona may be more calculated than many observers realize – a promotional tool wielded by someone who, according to those who know him personally, maintains his integrity behind closed doors.
