Khamzat Chimaev released another clip showing his sparring session with Brendan Allen. The undefeated fighter also responded to Ronda Rousey's recent criticism of the UFC, defending the promotion. Chimaev stated there would be no Ronda without the UFC and called her stance ungrateful. He questioned how much money she earned as an Olympic champion compared to her UFC earnings. Michael Morales posted a photo with Hunter Campbell suggesting contract paperwork is ready. Jan Blachowicz successfully underwent knee surgery.
Khamzat Chimaev stirred up conversation on social media this week, releasing sparring footage alongside middleweight contender Brendan Allen while also firing back at Ronda Rousey over her recent public criticism of the UFC.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," carries a 15-1-0 record and sits as the top-ranked middleweight in the UFC at 32 years old. Representing the United Arab Emirates and training out of Allstars Training Center, he is one of the most statistically dominant fighters in the division, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing significant strikes at a 60 percent accuracy rate. The sparring clip features Allen, his Kill Cliff FC teammate and the fifth-ranked middleweight in the world.
Allen, 30, holds a 26-7-0 record and brings his own well-rounded skill set to the mat. The six-foot-two American, who shares Chimaev's 75-inch reach, averages 3.59 significant strikes per minute at 53 percent accuracy and adds consistent grappling pressure with 1.56 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Beyond the sparring footage, Chimaev directed pointed criticism at Rousey, paraphrasing that there would be no Ronda without the UFC and characterizing her stance as ungrateful. He also questioned how her Olympic earnings as an amateur athlete compared to what the promotion paid her over her career. Rousey, who compiled a 12-2-0 professional record, was a foundational figure in building women's MMA into a mainstream attraction during her time with the organization.
Separately, Jan Blachowicz has successfully come through knee surgery, and Michael Morales posted a photo alongside UFC executive Hunter Campbell in what appeared to suggest contract paperwork was in order.
Why it matters
- Chimaev and Allen training together publicly keeps both middleweights in the spotlight ahead of potential divisional matchups
- Chimaev's defense of the UFC and rebuke of Rousey signals his alignment with the promotion amid broader fighter-pay debates
- Blachowicz clearing surgery removes uncertainty around his availability in the light heavyweight division
