Khamzat Chimaev published another clip of sparring footage with Brendan Allen and criticized Ronda Rousey for her recent complaints about the UFC. Chimaev stated there would be no Ronda without UFC and called her ungrateful, questioning how much she earned as an Olympic champion. Michael Morales posted a photo with Hunter Campbell indicating papers are ready. Jan Blachowicz successfully underwent knee surgery. Arman Tsarukyan claimed RAF was worth 15 million before he joined but is now worth 110 million after three fights. Alex Pereira posted another video working pads with Glover Teixeira.
Khamzat Chimaev stirred up social media this week by posting fresh sparring footage alongside middleweight contender Brendan Allen while simultaneously taking aim at Ronda Rousey over her recent public criticism of the UFC.
Chimaev, the 32-year-old UAE-based middleweight ranked first in his division with a 15-1 record, called Rousey ungrateful and said there would be no Ronda without the UFC, questioning what she earned as an Olympic champion by comparison to what the organization provided her. The sparring partner in his latest clip, Brendan Allen, is himself a notable name in the 185-pound division, sitting at number five in the middleweight rankings with a 26-7 record. The 30-year-old American out of Kill Cliff FC lands 3.59 significant strikes per minute at 53 percent accuracy and adds an active grappling game averaging 1.56 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Chimaev remains one of the most statistically dominant fighters in the division, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing significant strikes at 60 percent accuracy, the highest mark among the fighters mentioned this week.
Elsewhere, Jan Blachowicz successfully came through knee surgery, sidelining the Polish veteran as he recovers. Michael Morales posted a photo alongside UFC executive Hunter Campbell, suggesting contract paperwork is in order for his next bout. Arman Tsarukyan made a pointed claim about his management group RAF, stating the agency was valued at 15 million before he signed with them and has since grown to 110 million on the back of his three fights with the promotion.
Alex Pereira, meanwhile, continued his training camp activity, posting video of pad work alongside Glover Teixeira. The 46-year-old Brazilian legend, who carries a 33-9 record and a 76-inch reach, remains a fixture in Pereira's corner.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's public alignment with the UFC and continued high-profile sparring keeps him visible while awaiting his next middleweight assignment
- Blachowicz's knee surgery raises questions about his timeline back to competition in the light heavyweight division
- Tsarukyan's claims about RAF's valuation reflect the growing financial weight fighter management groups hold in the current MMA landscape
