UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev faces a tough challenge to leave Russia as the country recruits soldiers to join their war effort in the Ukraine.
Chimaev was born in Russia but emigrated with his mother and brother to Sweden when he was aged 18. According to Combate.com the welterweight has had his 'passport confiscated' on a visit to Russia and now faces a battle to leave the country.It has been reported that the 28-year-old had his passport confiscated after landing in Saint Petersburg before travelling to see family in Chechnya.
However, the Swedish resident hopes his adopted home country can aid his return into Europe. READ MORE: UFC star Khamzat Chimaev shares "Motherland" Russia post and sparks massive backlashChimaev has an unbeaten record since joining the UFC five years ago at the age of 23, winning 12 bouts with six by knockout and five by submission while eight of his wins have come in the first round.
He has previously been criticised by fans for his relationship with Vladimir Putin warlord aide Ramzan Kadyrov, who is the president of Chechen Republic.At UFC 279 last month the number three ranked welterweight was due to face Nate Diaz but failed to make weight.
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