Bringing a champion’s mindset to UAE esports
The UAE’s first UFC World Champion partners with the UAE-headquartered esports powerhouse to inspire the next generation of champions through gaming, discipline and education.
ABU DHABI, [19 November 2025]: UFC World Champion Khamzat Chimaev, the first athlete to represent the United Arab Emirates and win a UFC title, and the current UFC Middleweight Champion, has officially joined Nigma Galaxy as a Brand Ambassador. This partnership aligns one of the country’s most celebrated combat athletes with its leading esports organisation, uniting elite sport and competitive gaming under a shared commitment to representing the UAE internationally. Both are based in the Emirates and reflect its growing influence in global sport, innovation and youth culture.
The agreement will see Chimaev, who received UAE citizenship in January 2025 and has consistently expressed pride in representing the nation, bring his hallmark focus, discipline and winning mentality to Nigma Galaxy’s esports ecosystem. Following his UFC Middleweight Championship victory in August 2025, Chimaev celebrated with the UAE flag and was later honoured by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in recognition of his achievement.
Mohamed Morad, Co-Founder, Nigma Galaxy, states, “This partnership symbolises the UAE’s pursuit of excellence. Khamzat embodies discipline, courage and determination, the same values that define Nigma Galaxy. Together, we are bridging the worlds of sport and esports to inspire young people with the belief that success comes through focus, teamwork and dedication,” says Morad.
The UAE’s development as a global gaming hub reflects a broader national focus on cultivating high-performance talent. With government programmes such as Dubai’s Programme for Gaming 2033 and, regionally, the National Gaming and Esports Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030, the ecosystem increasingly connects traditional sports with digital innovation and youth engagement. Chimaev’s partnership with Nigma Galaxy exemplifies this cross-disciplinary approach, applying elite-sport principles of preparation, resilience and consistency to esports and creating pathways for emerging gamers, creators and athletes to compete on the world stage.
As Brand Ambassador, Chimaev will front motivational and educational initiatives across Nigma Galaxy Academy, introducing athlete-inspired modules on mindset, discipline and preparation. These sessions will help young gamers build high-performance habits, resilience and responsible digital engagement, values central to both professional sport and esports. Additionally, the Academy will set out clear pathways for aspiring esports professionals, including progression tiers, mentorship, showcase events and routes into brand ambassadorship for standout talent.
Khamzat Chimaev states, “I am proud to represent the UAE in everything I do. This country has supported me like family, and now I am fortunate to join Nigma Galaxy to inspire others. I have always been passionate about gaming and competition. The same mindset that drives me in the Octagon can help shape champions in esports too,” says Chimaev.
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About Nigma Galaxy
Nigma Galaxy is the UAE’s leading professional esports organisation, founded by industry veterans and dedicated to growing the Middle East and North Africa’s gaming ecosystem. Headquartered in the UAE, Nigma Galaxy is a leading UAE esports brand for competition, coaching and community engagement. Principal partners include Etihad Airways and Aldar, brands that share the mission to champion performance, innovation and Emirati excellence on the global stage.
