Khamzat Chimaev was 'choked out' by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov during a "friendly" sparring session following his wedding celebrations.
The promotion's rising star has won all four of his appearances in the octagon since signing for the UFC, and recently defeated Gilbert Burns - who was ranked No.2 in his weight class. Kadyrov attended Chimaev's private wedding which has delayed his comeback, and was one of the only people to share footage of the discreet celebration.
Now the political leader released an image of the pair on social media, with the statement: " The grandchildren of the First President of the Chechen Republic, Hero of Russia Akhmat-Khadzhi Kadyrov - Adam and Eli Kadyrov met face to face with the thunderstorm of the octagon. Despite the fact that this is only a friendly sparring, the ‘Chechen Wolf’ exhausted his rivals in his usual manner, once again proving his skill and composure in the fighting arena.
“Despite the formidable and eminent opponent, the guys were in no way inferior to Khamzat in skill. As befits the fighters, they analysed the movements and weaknesses of the opponent, after which they proceeded to counterattacks. At the end of the training, I myself could not resist the temptation to test my strength in a friendly duel with our dear brother.”
In a video that surfaced of the pair doing battle in training, Kadyrov appears to get the better of the rising star who is of course taking it easy on the Chechen president. The fight began with Kadyrov managing to dominate the opening exchanges, backing the star against the wall before sweeping his legs away in a successful takedown.
He then imposed a guillotine hold which appeared to 'choke out' Kadyrov who swiftly got to his feet. The president then continued his wrestling with Chimaev, and was then pictured performing another successful takedown using side control, before the pair rose to their feet and practiced their striking.
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Kadyrov continues the session with another successful guillotine on the UFC star before the pair stopped while laughing together. The president then ragdolls his training opponent in their final exchange showing impressive side control with Chimaev showing little resistance. Kadyrov and Chimaev shared a final wrestle before laughing together and hugging in a breathless heap on the floor.
The pair were pictured taking photos together and having a conversation over his career and their training together. Chimaev is currently yet to find his next opponent for the UFC, despite leaked cards suggesting he will face Nate Diaz this summer. Diaz recently claimed in their latest exchange that Chimaev's wedding is responsible for a delay in getting a fight made.
UFC president Dana White had previously suggested the Chechen star will face Colby Covington in his bid to become the leading contender at 170lbs. However British star Leon Edwards will first challenge for champion Kamaru Usman's belt before Chimaev can potentially launch an assault on the crown.
