Khamzat Chimaev published another clip of his sparring session with Brendan Allen and commented on Ronda Rousey's recent criticism of the UFC, saying there would be no Ronda without UFC and calling her ungrateful. Jan Blachowicz successfully underwent knee surgery. Arman Tsarukyan claimed that RAF's value increased from 15 million to 110 million after his three fights. Alex Pereira posted another video of intense pad work with Glover Teixeira. Francis Ngannou discussed what he sees as the main mistake of modern fighters - fear of losing their contracts leading them to sign unfavorable deals, and revealed some fighters were offered huge money to fight him on Netflix but are bound by restrictive contracts.
Khamzat Chimaev has weighed in on Ronda Rousey's public criticism of the UFC, pushing back sharply against the former champion's remarks while also sharing new sparring footage alongside middleweight contender Brendan Allen. Separately, former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz confirmed he successfully came through knee surgery.
Chimaev, the No. 1-ranked middleweight and No. 10 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, called Rousey ungrateful and argued there would be no Ronda Rousey without the UFC. The 32-year-old from the UAE carries a 15-1 record and has been among the most dominant forces in the 185-pound division, averaging 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a 60 percent accuracy rate and a remarkable 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes. The sparring clip he posted features Allen, the No. 5-ranked middleweight, who brings a 26-7 record and credentials of his own, averaging 3.59 significant strikes per minute with 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes for Kill Cliff FC.
Blachowicz's knee surgery went smoothly according to the report, though no timeline for his return was provided.
Arman Tsarukyan claimed his management company RAF saw its valuation climb from 15 million to 110 million on the back of his last three fights, a striking assertion about the commercial power fighters can generate for their representation.
Alex Pereira was also active on social media, posting video of a hard pad-work session alongside 46-year-old Brazilian veteran Glover Teixeira, who holds a 33-9 record and a 76-inch reach, continuing what appears to be an ongoing training partnership.
Francis Ngannou addressed what he views as a systemic problem in fighter contracting, arguing that fear of losing promotional deals drives athletes into signing agreements on unfavorable terms. He also revealed that several fighters were offered significant money to face him on Netflix but could not accept due to restrictive contract clauses.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's public comments keep him visible at the top of a crowded middleweight division while his Allen sparring hints at continued camp activity
- Blachowicz's surgery confirms he has been dealing with a physical setback, raising questions about his timeline at light heavyweight
- Ngannou's contracting comments add to a broader ongoing conversation about fighter autonomy and promotional exclusivity
