Chimaev was dominant in his debut and was quickly rebooked for another Fight Island card, setting a UFC mark for fastest turnaround in just 10 days. He would go on to earn performance bonuses in each of his first five appearances, and thus the legend was solidified.

The combination of his dominance and his larger-than-life personality made it clear he was on a fast track to superstardom. Now, just days away from his title shot at UFC 319, Chimaev has hit a milestone that cements his place among the sport’s biggest names one that puts him in exclusive company alongside Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev.