Since his arrival in the UFC, Khamzat Chimaev has taken the MMA world by storm. With his ferocious fighting style, relentless aggression, and unmatched confidence, Chimaev has quickly risen through the ranks and has become one of the most talked-about fighters in the sport. His dominance across multiple weight classes, combined with his ability to finish fights both on the ground and standing, has led many to ask: Is Khamzat Chimaev the most feared man in the UFC?

Unstoppable Force: Chimaev’s Early UFC Dominance

Chimaev burst onto the UFC scene in 2020, fighting twice in just 10 days and winning both bouts in dominant fashion. His incredible ability to switch between welterweight and middleweight effortlessly demonstrated his versatility. With his flawless wrestling and powerful striking, Chimaev showed no weaknesses early on, leading to viral knockouts and submissions that had fans, fighters, and analysts buzzing.

One of the key reasons behind Chimaev’s aura of fear is his overwhelming aggression. Unlike many fighters who pace themselves, Chimaev hunts for the finish from the opening bell. In his first four UFC fights, he absorbed only one significant strike while landing 112 of his own—a testament to his suffocating grappling and ability to control every aspect of the fight. His relentless pace has left opponents with little chance to even get started before being overwhelmed.

The Aura of Invincibility

Chimaev’s undefeated record and his history of finishing nearly every opponent have built an aura of invincibility around him. Fighters fear stepping into the cage with Chimaev because of the uncertainty he brings: Will he take them down and maul them? Will he knock them out in the opening seconds? There’s an element of the unknown with Chimaev, which makes him all the more dangerous.

Opponents have spoken about Chimaev’s intense physicality and how it feels different from any other fighter they’ve faced. His confidence plays a big role in this. Chimaev is known for his brash demeanor, openly stating that he’ll smash anyone the UFC puts in front of him. That self-belief combined with his results in the cage sends a psychological message before the fight even starts.

Grappling: A Nightmare for Opponents

One of Chimaev’s most dangerous weapons is his grappling. Trained in wrestling from a young age, Chimaev’s ability to shoot for takedowns and control his opponents on the ground is second to none. Once he gets a fighter to the mat, he transitions with ease, landing devastating ground and pound or securing submissions. His Dagestani-style wrestling, similar to that of Khabib Nurmagomedov, is relentless—fighters are rarely able to get back to their feet once they’ve been taken down.

Fighters often fear Chimaev’s grappling because it’s not just about defense—it’s survival. The moment Chimaev secures a takedown, it’s usually the beginning of the end. His opponents are trapped, and his physicality and technique make it nearly impossible to escape. This suffocating pressure is what causes fear in even the most seasoned UFC veterans.

Striking: A Hidden Danger

While Chimaev is widely known for his wrestling, his striking is just as dangerous. His knockout of Gerald Meerschaert in just 17 seconds with a single punch sent shockwaves through the MMA world. Chimaev’s striking is efficient and powerful. He doesn't waste energy or overextend; when he hits, he hits with precision and power.

Opponents now must worry about more than just his grappling—they must also be cautious of his knockout power. His unpredictability, whether choosing to wrestle or strike, keeps his opponents on edge, which only adds to the fear factor. Fighters are unsure whether they’ll be taken down and dominated on the ground or knocked out standing.

Fear Among UFC Contenders

As Chimaev continues to rise in the rankings, more fighters are openly cautious about facing him. His combination of size, strength, and technical skills make him a problem for nearly every fighter in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions. Top contenders know that a fight with Chimaev won’t just be difficult—it could be career-altering. The physical and mental toll of fighting someone so relentless can have lasting effects, making him a fighter that many prefer to avoid until absolutely necessary.

Even UFC champion-level fighters have acknowledged Chimaev’s unique challenge. The idea of facing someone with such an aggressive, unpredictable style creates an additional layer of pressure. Chimaev’s ability to compete in two divisions only expands the pool of fighters who may eventually have to deal with him, making him a looming presence over a large part of the UFC roster.