Khamzat Chimaev has gone from a small-town wrestler in Chechnya to one of the UFC’s most feared and marketable fighters. His relentless style, unbeaten streak, and willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, have made him a household name in MMA — and that fame comes with serious financial rewards.
As of 2025, Chimaev’s net worth is estimated at $4 million, with fight purses, bonuses, and growing sponsorship deals forming the bulk of his income. Here’s how he got there.
From Wrestling Prodigy to Sweden’s National Champion
Born May 1, 1994, in Chechnya, Russia, Khamzat Chimaev’s first sporting love was wrestling. By age 5, he was already training, showing the kind of natural skill that would later dominate the MMA world.
At the Russian national junior championships, he earned a bronze medal — proof that his technical foundation was strong.
In 2011, at just 17, Chimaev moved to Sweden, a decision that shaped both his life and career. Competing for BK Athen, he quickly became a force in Swedish wrestling, winning gold at the 2018 Swedish National Championships in the 202-pound freestyle division.
His performance was nothing short of dominant: multiple technical knockouts at 10–0 scores, and competitive experience in judo and sambo that added more layers to his skill set.
Transition to MMA
At 23 years old, Chimaev turned his attention to mixed martial arts. He joined Stockholm’s Allstar Training Center, where he trained alongside UFC veterans like Alexander Gustafsson, Ilir Latifi, and Reza Madadi.
His debut came on May 26, 2018, with a TKO win over Gard Olve Sagen. Shortly after, he signed with Brave Combat Federation, where his power and pressure fighting style began to attract serious attention.
UFC Debut and Rapid Rise
In 2020, Chimaev made his UFC debut against John Phillips in the middleweight division. Winning via second-round submission, he earned a Performance of the Night bonus — the first of several in his career.
Just 10 days later, he fought again, defeating Rhys McKee in a dominant performance that cemented him as a breakout star. His third UFC fight, against Gerald Meerschaert, ended in just 17 seconds.
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) August 7, 2025
COVID Setback and Comeback
In 2021, Chimaev’s momentum stalled after a severe bout with COVID-19. He experienced breathing difficulties and even coughed up blood, prompting a shock retirement announcement.
Fans feared his career was over. But after recovering and confirming there was no lasting damage, he returned to action, determined to make up for lost time.
khamzat when he sees strickland pic.twitter.com/NdP1bIm3d9
— SOON TO BE THE LW GOAT 🌹🇬🇪🇮🇱 (@TopuriaFan) June 30, 2025
Khamzat Chimaev Career Earnings Timeline
| Year | Event / Opponent | Base Purse | Win Bonus | Performance Bonus | Estimated Sponsorship & Extras | Total Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Pro debut vs. Gard Olve Sagen (Brave CF) | $5,000 | $5,000 | — | $1,000 | $11,000 |
| 2019 | Brave CF bouts | $10,000 | $10,000 | — | $2,000 | $22,000 |
| 2020 | UFC debut vs. John Phillips | $12,000 | $12,000 | $50,000 | $5,000 | $79,000 |
| 2020 | UFC Fight Night vs. Rhys McKee | $12,000 | $12,000 | $50,000 | $5,000 | $79,000 |
| 2020 | UFC Fight Night vs. Gerald Meerschaert | $23,000 | $23,000 | — | $8,000 | $54,000 |
| 2021 | UFC 267 vs. Li Jingliang | $40,000 | $40,000 | $50,000 | $15,000 | $145,000 |
| 2022 | UFC 273 vs. Gilbert Burns | $60,000 | $60,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | $195,000 |
| 2022 | UFC 279 vs. Kevin Holland | $100,000 | $100,000 | — | $30,000 | $230,000 |
| 2023 | UFC 294 vs. Kamaru Usman | $150,000 | $150,000 | — | $35,000 | $335,000 |
| 2024 | UFC Fight Night main event | $180,000 | $180,000 | $50,000 | $40,000 | $450,000 |
| 2025 | Latest bout (pre-title contention) | $200,000 | $200,000 | — | $50,000 | $450,000 |
Note: Figures are estimates based on disclosed purses, reported bonuses, and standard UFC sponsorship structures. Pay-per-view shares (if any) could raise totals further.
How Much Does Khamzat Chimaev Make Per Fight?
Chimaev’s fight pay has grown with his popularity:
- Early UFC career: Around $80,000 including bonuses
- Mid-tier bouts: $150,000–$200,000 per fight
- Performance bonuses: $50,000 each — multiple wins so far
- Sponsorships: $20,000–$50,000 per bout depending on card profile
In recent fights, a single night’s work can earn him over $250,000 when sponsorship and bonuses are included.
How His Earnings Compare to Other UFC Stars
When stacked against MMA’s top earners, Chimaev is in the upper-middle tier — but with potential to climb fast.
- Conor McGregor – Over $20 million in UFC purses alone, plus massive outside income from whiskey, endorsements, and media.
- Israel Adesanya – Consistently makes $500,000–$1 million per fight, plus pay-per-view shares.
- Khabib Nurmagomedov – Retired undefeated with $8 million+ in career UFC earnings, later adding coaching and business income.
- Sean O’Malley – Now earns around $500,000 base plus bonuses and PPV percentages as champion.
If Chimaev wins a UFC belt, his pay could double overnight — champions typically negotiate PPV revenue shares that can dwarf base salaries.
Endorsements and Outside Income
Chimaev’s marketability extends beyond the octagon. His income is boosted by:
- Sportswear sponsorships
- Nutrition and supplement partnerships
- Merchandise sales via UFC and personal brand stores
- Paid seminars and appearances
These deals will likely grow in value if he becomes a champion.
Khamzat Chimaev’s $4 million net worth reflects his rapid ascent from wrestling prodigy to UFC star. His ability to dominate opponents, coupled with an aggressive fighting style and undefeated record, makes him one of the sport’s most bankable rising talents.
At $200,000–$250,000 per fight today, his earnings are solid — but the real financial leap will come with a title win and regular PPV headlining slots. If his current trajectory continues, Chimaev could be worth $8–10 million within two years.
From the wrestling mats of Chechnya to the global MMA stage, Chimaev’s story is more than a fight record — it’s a case study in turning raw talent into sustained financial power.
