Khamzat Chimaev inks long-term contract to remain with UFC

Khamzat Chimaev, one of the UFC’s budding superstars, has signed a new long-term contract with the promotion.

Chimaev’s manager, Majdi Shammas, told ESPN that Chimaev (12-0) signed the new deal on Tuesday. Chimaev, 29, is set to face former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman (20-3) in a middleweight bout at UFC 294 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Chimaev will remain exclusively inside the Octagon for the foreseeable future. He had two fights remaining on his previous contract before reaching an extension.

UFC president Dana White said Saturday’s fight would serve as the No. 1 fight at middleweight, meaning the winner will face new champion Sean Strickland for the belt in his next appearance .

Chimaev, born in Chechnya and now fighting in Dubai, has been seen as a potential future champion in multiple divisions since his UFC debut in 2020. He has fought at 170 pounds and 185 pounds.

The UFC booked him for a potential showcase fight against Nate Diaz at UFC 279 in September 2022, but Chimaev severely missed weight the day before and was ultimately paired with Kevin Holland instead. His only other problem in the UFC has been staying active. He was inactive for a year in 2020 due to health complications, and again this year for various reasons.