Khamzat Chimaev Convo: Why he got into fighting, living at the gym in Sweden & more | ESPN MMA 

I don’t think it’s even possible to not feel inspired by this man. I feel like all of us fans of MMA and the UFC should feel honored and grateful to be able to see the rise of such an athlete before our eyes. I know I am.

A man of few words but what a sweetheart (especially in regards to his relationship with his mother). Doesn't seem to have any BS about him at all. You can see he still has the trouble maker in him (thank god he chose MMA) but you get a real strong sense of good morals and ethics. Blessings to him and his family ( obviously that includes Darren Till). May his career be laden with belts, cash money money and his favourite food stuffs.

Brett needs to do more interviews like this... This was one of his more exceptional interviews and Khamzat felt more open and comfortable throughout

This dude has been through a lot of adversity. That’s why he’s such a strong beast

When he went to the old room he lived in at the gym and said "I could still live here," I feel like he's sincere when he says that. He's been through a lot, mentally very tough. Good for him, best of luck Khamzat I'll definitely be cheering for you!! 🙌

*From Nothing to Everything my Brother, Lets go Khamzat Lets Shake the World* 🐺

This is our new UFC superstar. He is going to be the face of everything believe the hype. ❤🐐

Never mess with a man who is dedicated to make his mom's life better.

I love khamzat man he's not like everyone else that gets a big push he's still himself and he's fighting for something real

That gym fight story was crazy. Imagine Khamzat holding the bathroom door open saying yeh let’s go me and you. I don’t think there’s many people on this planet that would have agreed to go in there. His such an animal

Sacrificing so much for the dream.....and still down to earth! If he stays like that even if the money comes......he`s going to be a good one! God bless him!

many people including myself can relate to Khamzat, especially the part when he says his family slept in one room, i can’t but help to shed a tear as that’s exactly how i grew up, sharing 1 bed with my mother and my brother and my dog, when my biological dad kicked us all out of the house, apartment hopping to finally currently in contract to have a big house of our own”, i know Khamzat has the power to accomplish anything he wants and desires, and i continue to see him as a role model for my gateway into sucess as well. Thank You Khamzat, continue to inspire along the way

Some people say he's 'Evil Khabib' But he's not evil at all... You can tell this guy got good heart.

I'm sooo happy he is still 27 man....we still have lot to see frm him...young prospect..I wish Alex Pereira too came to ufc when he was younger

"We go to the bathroom and I open the toilet and I just say 'come on jump in. You and me. " -Khamzat Chimaev 2022

When he said "we didn't have much to eat so Mom would wait for us to finish eating, then she would eat just the leftovers"...My eyes watered. I too came from nothing so I fully grasp what he is saying. In my eyes, this dude is already a champ. A champ at life.

Khamzat is killing it with the media. His Twitter, interviews, and the series he did with Till. Even if he loses to Burns he's a legit contender and I wish him a long career. His rise kind of reminds me of how quickly Jon Jones came in and took over 205

I hate it when 2 nice guys fight. Khamzat and Gilbert are both so real and humble… God Bless them both.

Khamzat is so powerful so explosive. He reminds me of a young mike tyson.

If this guy doesn’t make history then I don’t know what to believe anymore

Thank god Brett didn't bring up Jake Paul boxing questions lmao

This man could easily be the double champ of Welterweight & middleweight Super excited for his future & can’t wait to see whoever he’s up against ! Would love to see who can really test him.. maybe it’s burns but we’ll see.

Man Brett’s a hit or miss with interviews but this right here was good

It’s weird how the craziest guy is fighting just because he loves his mom and wants to see her live better

Absolutely love this bloke, his videos on Block Asset's channel with Till are something truly special. We all get a little glimpse into who Chimaev is as a human being, he's a special individual. Will be cheering for Khamzat this weekend even though I have a lot of love for Durinho.

Khamzat ,my man.. I think everyone wants this guy tondo well.. Also Burns is amazing guy ,its a shame one of them has to lose.. Respect for both guys ,good guys,warm hearts..

7:30 - Dude was still living here after making history in UFC after his first two fights in 10 days. Still can live there. True inspiration

So happy to have him represents sweden🇸🇪🥇☝️🔥

He has that convict spirit hhh. You can feel his life was raw. Real dude! They are all in trouble.

His career will be legendary💯💯💯💯

I love how they just walking in the middle of the road holding up all the cars 🤦😂 Swedish people are too nice, you couldn't do that in my neighborhood 🤣

This is definitely becoming my favorite fighter without a doubt

Absolute savage in the cage, but outside he seems to be a really kind and caring guy. It’s hard not to root for him.

This is a pretty insightful interview... It shows you what Khamzat is truly fighting for 👏

Kudos to the cameraman here, great footage captured.... It captured the essence of the personalities and environment etc... Kudos again !!

I have never been so excited about new fighter like khamzat chimaev! Interesting person. Super skilled fighter

Khamzat have big heart.khamzat says "My Mom Is Important" really humble guy.

This was awesome. I love khamzat! He has opened up so much since his first UFC fight. Can’t wait to see where he goes from here. Imagine if this man had grown up training MMA

Khamzat is garnering a different fanbase to Khabib. Due to their similarity in upbringing, faith, fighting style you’d expect they would have a similar fanbase. But their personalities differ a lot. And it almost seems as though Khamzat is not only being supported by Khabib fans, but besides them, a lot of other MMA fans too. Its almost as if MMA fans are wanting Khamzat to be a phenom, a special once in a lifetime fighter. A lot of people are on the Khamzat hypetrain and it is making for a sensational build of tension for his next fight with Burns. If he gets past Burns in an impressive way. We could be looking at one of the most anticipated fights of all time. In one corner you have Khamzat, a bolt of lightning that could be one of the biggest stars in UFC history. And in the other corner, you have Kamaru who could cement his legacy as the Greatest UFC fighter of all time, by beating the biggest hype train the UFC has ever seen.

Its really amazing how we’re seeing his come up all being recorded step by step. This is what everyone’s gonna look back too when he’s the best in what world

I'm proud of you Khamzat and I believe you'll be a double champ 🏆 💪

Khamzat is an absolute beast in and out of the ring. Hopefully he's gonna be a champion soon. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Never thought I would see the day i enjoyed a Brett interview

Listening to him talk makes me understand why fighting is so easy for him

That filmic shot of you both walking at the beginning was top notch. Great production. Well done to that crew.

Reading comments is my favorite thing. I wish best for khamzat.

I just enjoy him saying Let's Go Brother 💯👊🏽👍🏽

The Hype is real! The best of Conor and Khabib in one person.

Really appreciate being able to see the other side of Khamzat Chimaev, reminds you the savage in the cage is still a normal guy like the rest of us, honestly should remind everyone that anything is achievable with a strong enough conviction and self belief driving you

Love this format… Much more interesting and dynamic than sitting in a studio or on zoom. Great work!

I actually feel lucky to see the rise of a legend in the making, this guys gonna shake the mma world

Brett's best interview by far,great job.✌

Nice , I wish it was longer

I’m not sure if ESPN does this often but wow this style of interview was so good to watch. The locations and editing really highlighted each theme Khamzat speaks about. Lovely stuff.

Such a simple man. These are my favorite type of fighters. So humble and not a lot to show

This man is quickly becoming one of my favorite fighters ! He’s got the right mixture of pure animal and gentle soul.

Thnkx for making this. 🙏🏻

great guy, hope the best for him

Wow, what an amazing interview... Khamzat will be a 3x belt holder.

BEAST! Can’t wait to watch his fight! The guy is an absolute killer and has a wild personality.

His story is honestly something truly special. You can tell that his perseverance, motivation, and determination will allow him to reach the top. Everyone else is not even mentally on the same level, and that's what separates the good from the best.

This was a great into with the walking and having a nice conversation

Khabib had his dad. Khamzat didn’t.

"Why did you want to make things better for her? Why was it so important to you?" 🤦

Love this guy god blessed him. Very humble 😌

This is one of the most motivating vids I’ve seen in a long time

Khamzat lived at the gym! A real fighter

Khamzat is awesome! Great personality and an amazing fighter all around.

Powerful emotions came flooding back to him in that room.

Good one Brett. Real interview

His main motivation is to make his mother's life better. I love Khamzat.

I'll never graft or understand how hard these guys do. Proper respect x

Khamzat , He’s going to be the greatest athlete the world is ever seen I’m watching that and I believe that and I see that coming 🤩❤️❤️❤️

Can't wait for this fight on Saturday!! This will answer so many questions! I have Khamzat winning via sub, yep I said it!

That dedication 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 No wonder fighters in ufc have been avoiding him

Brett Okamoto saw the feedback on the John Gooden video where people were saying John is so much better. Now it looks like Brett has played his next move by doing a "real homey interview" rather than stage set interview to combat the criticism. Love seeing the subtle moves being played.

I’ve never rooted for a fighter to own the world more than ever. Love you brother

I have always believed in you since your UFC debut 🙏🏽

This man is going to SMESH his way to international super-stardom! Stay humble my friend.

Videos like these are great. it gives us a look into an Athletes previous life before we know them now. When you have so little in life, it gives you the hunger to search for greatness.

The behind-the-scenes stuff I see here and with Burns training makes me not want to see either guy lose. Both talented, tough, humble, and hardworking. This will be an incredible fight.

Sleeping in that room in the gym there could only be one thing on your mind and that’s being the best in the world

After knowing Khamzat's story about his life and his mom I can definitely say He'll literally kill Colby for talking about his mom... just don't talk about them dagestanis and chechens family. That's not gonna end well

Mama is important for me ❤️😎He Is still fighting for his Family🙌🏾😌

Great interview! Khamzat is a badass!

Love this dude's spirit and story. He's gonna be champ very soon

Everyday ye like him more and more! Let's go brother 💪

Man I love hearing this guy talk! To be honest, I would much rather them have a translator because while he has learned english super fast, I would much rather hear his story be told in his own words in his own language so we can get more details from him.

one of my favourite ufc fighters , everyone should have mentality like him .

I wanna see him become champ so bad, dude is a savage

I thought khamzat was all ‘chaos’ and no substance as a person. But the more I see of his personal life the more I get intrigued. Starting to like the guy

interesting to see the story of Khamzat's struggle, it tells alot about the man. I hope he becomes champ one day he truly inspires all those other kids watching him now!

Love this guy. I was a fan as soon as he took fights back to back weeks

Wow that was incredible to see. Coming back to where he came from after his rise to the top.

One of the best 👍💯 personality God bless you brother I always pray for you Alhamdulillah future mega star ⭐ of ufc always love ❤❤❤❤❤

Watching such interviews always motivate us

I love you Khamzat. You’re a one of a kind. A killer with a gentle soul. Someone who deserves the world plus more. I hope you continue pure dominance inside the octagon and make a unforgettable name for yourself.

Just when u think u couldn't possibly like him anymore, BAM! WE ALL knew he was special, but this guys the next MEGA Superstar and IDGAF what anybody says. When you take his wrestling pedigree, mix it with his other abilities, conditioning, hardships, striking, grappling, toughness, self belief, power, and sheer desire to be great, you get the next UFC Champ. This guy wants it ALL, wants it more than he wants his next breath, and I'm here for it all BROTHA! LFG!

Never in my life I Wish so strongly that this guy becomes Champion. Lets go brother! next legend!!.

Great production boys! Brett is the man