Overview
- Rich Patterson says he approached Chimaev as a fan at Dubai International Airport on February 5 and was kicked in the chest while surrounded by several associates.
- Patterson asserts the encounter was captured on CCTV and claims Chimaev was briefly jailed before release, though no evidence has been made public.
- Dubai authorities have issued no statements and no official records or footage corroborate the allegation to date.
- MMA outlets circulated Patterson’s post as the fighter and his representatives have not publicly responded.
- Chimaev holds the UFC middleweight title and has not fought since August 2025, with any consequences uncertain pending independent confirmation.