Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has once again welcomed UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev to Georgia. In a video shared on Instagram, the former AC Milan star turned politician is seen embracing Chimaev, referring to him as his “brother.”
The meeting reportedly took place near Heroes’ Square in Tbilisi, marking the second time Kaladze and Chimaev have been publicly spotted together in less than a year. Their previous meeting happened in December 2024, when Kaladze hosted the Chechen-born fighter at Tbilisi City Hall.
Chimaev’s Ties with Ramzan Kadyrov
Chimaev is one of the most prominent MMA fighters in the world today, but his close relationship with Chechnya’s authoritarian leader Ramzan Kadyrov has long been a source of scrutiny. The 30-year-old often refers to Kadyrov as his “big brother” and has appeared in several photos and videos alongside the Chechen leader and his family.
Following his UFC 319 victory in Chicago this August, where he claimed the middleweight title by defeating Dricus Du Plessis via unanimous decision, Chimaev thanked Kadyrov in his post-fight speech. Days later, Kadyrov rewarded him with a luxury Mercedes Maybach GLS 600, a car valued at around $180,000.
Kaladze’s Defense of His Friendship
While the connection between Chimaev and Kadyrov raises eyebrows in political circles, Kaladze insists his relationship with the fighter is personal, not political. After their first public meeting in 2024, Kaladze addressed concerns by stating that his friendships are not based on political alignment.
I have friends, even within the country, who may have different political views. This will not determine whether I will be friends with someone or not.
By once again embracing Chimaev publicly, Kaladze is reinforcing that stance, though the optics remain delicate given Georgia’s political and regional sensitivities.
A Ferrari Gift and Georgian Connections
Khamzat Chimaev’s recent trip to Georgia was not only about politics and photo opportunities. In one of the videos circulating online, he is seen receiving an extravagant Ferrari 296 GTB as a gift from friends, including Georgian UFC fighter Guram Kutateladze.
The gesture underscored Chimaev’s growing stature both inside and outside the cage. His expression of gratitude in the video highlighted the strong personal bonds he maintains in the region, even as the political undertones of his visits dominate headline.
Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC Return to the US
Khamzat Chimaev’s presence in Georgia comes shortly after a significant milestone in his career. His victory over Du Plessis in August marked his first fight in the United States since 2022. For nearly three years, visa restrictions had limited him to competing in Abu Dhabi.
Reports suggest that his return was made possible thanks to UFC President Dana White’s alignment with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, which helped ease restrictions. For Chimaev, the win in Chicago not only restored his dominance but also expanded his global profile.
A Meeting That Reflects More Than Friendship
Kaladze’s repeated public embrace of Chimaev highlights how sports, politics, and personal loyalty can intertwine in complex ways. For Kaladze, who balances his role as mayor and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, the friendship underscores his personal independence from political expectations.
For Chimaev, the visit shows both his deep ties to the Caucasus and his continued ability to command attention far beyond the octagon whether through title wins, luxury gifts, or controversial friendships.
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Also read, How Conor McGregor Inspired Khamzat Chimaev
