Khamzat Chimaev stated he is far from retiring and responded to critics who accuse him of being inactive. Chimaev dismissed the criticism, saying he earns millions and doesn't care what people say. He revealed that he makes more money outside of the UFC through sponsorships and various business projects. According to Chimaev, his status attracts sponsors and partnership opportunities wherever he goes. The fighter emphasized that his critics "just talk and do nothing" while he continues to profit from his fighting career and business ventures.
Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev has fired back at critics questioning his activity level, making clear he has no plans to retire and that his business interests outside the octagon leave him unbothered by the noise.
The 32-year-old, who competes out of the United Arab Emirates and trains at Allstars Training Center, holds a 15-1-0 record and currently sits as the number-one ranked middleweight in the UFC, also placing tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. Chimaev is a physically imposing presence at six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, and his in-cage numbers back up the hype — he lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 60 percent, while also averaging an exceptional 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes. His grappling threat is equally real, adding 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes to his profile.
In recent public comments, Chimaev addressed those who have taken aim at his fight frequency, dismissing the criticism flatly. He said he earns millions away from the UFC through sponsorships and business partnerships, arguing that his status as a fighter attracts lucrative opportunities wherever he goes. He characterized his detractors as people who "just talk and do nothing," contrasting their commentary with what he described as his own productive ventures.
Why it matters
- Chimaev remains the top-ranked middleweight, meaning any extended absence carries real divisional implications for title contention order.
- His comments suggest he is operating with significant financial independence, which could affect how he approaches fight negotiations with the UFC.
- A polarizing and inactive top contender at 185 pounds keeps the division in a holding pattern, with other ranked fighters waiting to see where and when he re-enters the picture.
