Khamzat Chimaev disapproves of politics meddling with athletics, saying, “I am proud of my Motherland.”

Khamzat Chimaev defended his “Motherland” Russia in a social media post that generated widespread outrage.

Chimaev has been a resident of Sweden since the age of 18, when he moved there from the Chechen Republic of Russia. With Vladimir Putin’s decision to attack Ukraine, numerous Ukrainian warriors have returned home and taken up guns in Eastern Europe.

Fans have already criticised the UFC star’s ties with Putin’s warlord ally Ramzan Kadyrov, the ruler of the Chechen Republic. Kadyrov is a significant participant in Russian MMA and one of the leaders who has backed Russia’s intervention in Ukraine.

Chimaev has created further controversy by uploading a workout photo with the caption:

“We are athletes, and everyone of us is a patriot of our Motherland; recently, everyone has mixed sports and politics; we stand for the nation in which we live; I am proud of my Motherland, and I know that my Motherland is proud of me and supports me.”

Russian athletes have been barred from playing in a variety of sports, including football, where teams have released players from the country owing to their ties to the country. Recently, Russian tennis players were barred from playing in the British grand slam Wimbledon, causing the event to lose ranking points when the ATP intervened.

Chimaev, who supports his natal country, competes under the Swedish flag and has had a spectacular MMA career since the age of 23. Chimaev’s ascension in the UFC has been nothing short of spectacular, with him now ranking third at 170lb.

Chimaev defeated leading rival Gilbert Burns earlier this year, bringing him one step closer to a championship chance against champion Kamaru Usman. His next fight, though, will now take place at UFC 279 versus veteran Nate Diaz, in what will be the American star’s final fight with the company.