.png)
The Gruesome Story Behind Khamzat Chimaev’s Lip Scar That Still Causes Him Problems to This Day
- Austin Jones
- Dec 26, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 2
Khamzat Chimaev: A Fighter Forged in Adversity
Khamzat Chimaev’s relentless rise to UFC stardom is a testament to his grit, resilience, and incredible skill.
However, beneath the dominance in the Octagon lies a painful childhood story etched across his face—a scar that not only shaped his appearance but perhaps his fighting spirit as well.
While many fans recognize Chimaev for his explosive fighting style and undefeated record, few know the harrowing story behind Khamzat Chimaev's lip scar. This scar, resulting from a childhood accident, has had lasting effects on his breathing and speech, making his achievements in MMA even more remarkable.
His journey from a traumatic childhood accident to the pinnacle of MMA showcases the mental toughness and physical resilience that make him one of the most feared fighters in the sport today.
Khamzat Chimaev and His Scar: A Childhood Injury That Never Healed
Born in Chechnya and now a Swedish national, Chimaev carries a facial scar with a story that’s as brutal as it is formative.
The UFC star revealed that the scar, which has drawn taunts even from fellow fighters like Conor McGregor—who once mockingly dubbed him “rat lip”—stems from a traumatic childhood accident.
At just two years old, Chimaev suffered a severe fall down a concrete staircase in his home.
The impact left him with a ripped lip, knocked-out teeth, and a broken nose. While many might recover fully from such an accident, Chimaev has lived with the consequences well into adulthood.
“I was two years old, and we had a big staircase in our house,” he explained. “I fell down on the concrete. I had a ripped lip; a couple of my teeth were knocked out, and I also broke my nose.
I still can’t breathe from my right nostril.” Chimaev’s mom told how he fell down the concrete stairs, resulting in the severe injuries that have left a lasting impact on his life.
The damage to his nose has persisted throughout his life, affecting his ability to breathe freely. For a fighter whose endurance and cardio are crucial weapons, this lingering issue makes his dominance all the more impressive.
Conor McGregor’s Infamous Comment
Conor McGregor, known for his sharp tongue and relentless trash-talking, has never shied away from targeting fellow UFC fighters. One of his most infamous comments was directed at Khamzat Chimaev, a rising star in the UFC.
The incident occurred on Instagram, where McGregor mockingly referred to Chimaev as “rat lip,” a jibe aimed at Chimaev’s prominent lip scar.
The comment was seen as a classic McGregor move—an attempt to get inside Chimaev’s head before a potential showdown.
However, Chimaev, known for his mental toughness, was quick to respond. He fired back by calling McGregor a “tap machine” and “chicken,” referencing McGregor’s past losses and his tendency to submit under pressure.
Rather than being rattled by McGregor’s taunt, Chimaev used it as fuel for his fire. The comment has only intensified his drive to succeed in the UFC, turning what could have been a demoralizing insult into a source of motivation. This exchange has added to the hype surrounding a potential fight between the two, with fans eagerly anticipating what would undoubtedly be a highly charged bout.
McGregor’s comment has also sparked a broader debate about the role of trash-talking in the UFC. While some fans enjoy the drama and psychological warfare, others feel that such comments can go too far, crossing the line into personal attacks. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, there’s no denying that McGregor’s “rat lip” comment has added another layer to the intense rivalry between these two fighters.
Chimaev’s response to McGregor’s taunt has further solidified his reputation as a formidable opponent who won’t back down from a challenge. It’s clear that he’s not just fighting for victories in the Octagon but also for respect and recognition. As the anticipation for his next fight builds, fans are left wondering if a clash with McGregor is on the horizon—a showdown that would undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated events in the UFC.
The Lingering Effects of the Injury
Chimaev’s accident didn’t just leave a physical mark—it created lasting health challenges. The broken nose he suffered as a toddler resulted in lifelong breathing difficulties, which have remained a problem even as he’s climbed the ranks of professional MMA.
Fighters rely on oxygen efficiency, and being limited to breathing through only one nostril makes the already demanding nature of the sport even more grueling.
This means that during fights, where oxygen supply is crucial, Chimaev has had to push through a disadvantage that most of his opponents don’t face.
Despite this, he has never used it as an excuse or let it slow him down. If anything, the adversity has made him stronger, fueling the relentless pace and pressure that have become his trademark.
From Pain to Power: Chimaev’s Meteoric Rise in the UFC
Despite the lingering challenges of his injury, Chimaev’s rise in the UFC has been nothing short of spectacular. He burst onto the scene in 2020 with dominant performances on Fight Island, setting a UFC record for the fastest time between Octagon wins with two victories in just 10 days.
He followed those performances with a stunning 17-second knockout of Gerald Meerschaert, cementing his reputation as one of the promotion’s most dangerous fighters.
In one of his most impressive performances, Chimaev submitted Li Jingliang in the first round, putting the welterweight division on notice.
Since then, Chimaev has continued his dominance, dismantling highly ranked opponents and proving that he belongs among the elite of the welterweight and middleweight divisions. His suffocating grappling, combined with his powerful striking and relentless pressure, makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone.
Remarkably, all of this has been achieved while Chimaev still struggles with his breathing issues. The scar and its ongoing effects may have forced him to push harder in training, developing the unrelenting cardio and endurance that have become his trademarks. Where others might see a limitation, Chimaev has found a way to turn it into an advantage.
The Mental Toughness of a Warrior
One of the most telling aspects of Chimaev’s personality is his refusal to let hardships define him in a negative way.
Growing up with a visible facial scar, he likely faced teasing and bullying. Rather than letting it break him, Chimaev appears to have turned these moments into fuel for his fire, using adversity to become one of the most feared fighters in the sport today.
Even as a professional fighter, he hasn’t escaped taunts about his appearance. Conor McGregor, known for his verbal jabs, mockingly called him "rat lip," an insult that many fans expected to rattle Chimaev. Instead, he brushed it off and let his performances in the Octagon do the talking.
Taunts about his scar are nothing new to him, and if anything, they serve as motivation.
He has built a career on proving people wrong, and each time he steps into the cage, he shows that no physical or mental obstacle can deter him from his goal of becoming a UFC champion.
Turning Adversity Into Strength
You could say that Chimaev’s scar has helped mold him into the fighter he is—a warrior who thrives under pressure, silences doubters, and embraces challenges head-on.
Whether it’s overcoming a childhood injury, enduring the brutal training required to compete at the highest level, or facing off against some of the best fighters in the world, Chimaev has never backed down.
His journey is a testament to resilience, showing that even the toughest setbacks can be turned into sources of strength.
In a sport where mental toughness is just as important as physical ability, Chimaev’s background has given him an edge that few others possess.
A Symbol of Perseverance
Chimaev’s story resonates with many because it embodies the classic underdog tale—someone who faced adversity from an early age and turned it into fuel for greatness.
His scar is more than just a mark on his face; it represents his struggle, perseverance, and refusal to be defined by hardship.
He stands as an inspiration not just to fighters but to anyone facing obstacles in their own lives. His ability to push forward despite setbacks is a reminder that challenges can either break us or make us stronger. For Chimaev, there was only ever one choice: to keep fighting.
What’s Next for Chimaev?
With his undefeated record intact and his reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC continuing to grow, Chimaev’s future looks brighter than ever.
Fans eagerly anticipate his next moves, whether in the welterweight division or middleweight division. A title shot seems inevitable, and many believe it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a world champion.
But beyond the belts and accolades, Chimaev’s legacy will be defined by more than just his victories. It will be remembered as the story of a fighter who refused to be held back by adversity—a warrior who turned pain into power and carved out his place among the sport’s greatest.
Here at Fight.TV, we salute Chimaev’s journey and the resilience it represents. His scar is more than a mark—it’s a reminder that even in the face of hardship, greatness can emerge. And if his career so far is any indication, the best of Khamzat Chimaev is yet to come.