Khamzat Chimaev released another sparring clip with Brendan Allen and criticized Ronda Rousey for her recent outburst against the UFC, stating there would be no Ronda without UFC and calling her ungrateful. Jan Blachowicz successfully underwent knee surgery. Ariel Morales posted a photo with Hunter Campbell, hinting that paperwork is ready. Arman Tsarukyan claimed that after three of his fights, the Russian AFC's valuation rose from 15 million to 110 million. Francis Ngannou stated that the biggest mistake modern fighters make is fearing loss of contract and signing unfavorable deals, revealing some fighters were offered huge money to fight him on Netflix but are bound by bad contracts.
Khamzat Chimaev has weighed in on Ronda Rousey's recent public criticism of the UFC, dismissing the former champion as ungrateful and arguing there would be no Rousey without the organization she is attacking. Chimaev made the remarks alongside releasing a new sparring clip featuring middleweight contender Brendan Allen.
Chimaev, 32, holds a 15-1 record and sits at number one in the middleweight division, also ranking tenth pound-for-pound. Representing the UAE and training out of Allstars Training Center, "Borz" is one of the most statistically dominant fighters in the sport, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing significant strikes at a 60 percent accuracy rate. His sparring partner Allen, ranked fifth at middleweight, carries a 26-7 record and brings his own credentials to the session, landing 3.59 significant strikes per minute and averaging 1.56 takedowns per 15 minutes for Kill Cliff FC.
Rousey, 39, compiled a 12-2 professional record during her career and was a foundational figure in women's MMA, averaging an extraordinary 4.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes. Her recent public comments directed at the UFC prompted Chimaev's response.
Elsewhere in the news, Jan Blachowicz came through knee surgery successfully, offering some relief for the veteran light heavyweight. Ariel Morales posted a photo alongside UFC executive Hunter Campbell, suggesting contract paperwork may be close to finalized, though no official announcement has been made. Arman Tsarukyan credited his fighting career with helping grow Russia's AFC valuation from 15 million to 110 million following three of his bouts. Francis Ngannou, meanwhile, spoke candidly about fighter contracts, arguing the biggest mistake modern fighters make is signing unfavorable deals out of fear of losing their UFC contract, and revealing that some fighters were offered significant money to oppose him on Netflix but were prevented from accepting by restrictive agreements.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's public profile continues to grow beyond his divisional ranking, keeping him in the spotlight between fights
- Blachowicz clearing surgery is an important step toward his return to the light heavyweight division
- Ngannou's contract comments add to an ongoing broader conversation about fighter pay and contractual freedom in MMA
