Khamzat Chimaev released another clip showing sparring with Brendan Allen. Additionally, Chimaev criticized Ronda Rousey's recent comments about the UFC, stating "there would be no Ronda without UFC" and expressing frustration with what he called her ingratitude. He questioned how much she earned as an Olympic champion compared to her UFC career. In other news from the post, Michael Morales shared a photo with UFC executive Hunter Campbell captioned "Papers ready," suggesting a contract signing. Jan Blachowicz successfully underwent knee surgery, and Francis Ngannou discussed contract issues facing modern fighters.
Khamzat Chimaev continued to make noise on social media, releasing new sparring footage alongside middleweight contender Brendan Allen while also directing sharp criticism at retired star Ronda Rousey over her recent comments about the UFC.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," sits at number one in the middleweight rankings and carries a 15-1 record. The 32-year-old representing the United Arab Emirates and training out of Allstars Training Center 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. His sparring partner in the clip, Brendan Allen, is no lightweight workout partner — the American ranks fifth at middleweight with a 26-7 record. The 30-year-old out of Kill Cliff FC averages 3.59 significant strikes per minute and attempts 1.1 submissions per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded test in any training room setting.
Beyond the sparring footage, Chimaev took aim at Rousey, whose professional record stands at 12-2. He argued that her UFC career was the foundation of her fame and earning power, stating there would be no Ronda without the UFC, and questioned how her Olympic championship compensation compared to what she made inside the octagon. He framed her criticism of the promotion as ingratitude.
Elsewhere in the same social media post, welterweight prospect Michael Morales shared a photo alongside UFC executive Hunter Campbell with the caption "Papers ready," which strongly implies a contract signing is imminent. Jan Blachowicz has come through knee surgery successfully, and Francis Ngannou used the moment to weigh in on the broader contract landscape facing fighters today.
Why it matters
- Chimaev and Allen training together signals the middleweight top five remains tightly interconnected heading into the next ranking cycle
- Morales appearing to finalize a new deal could accelerate his climb in the welterweight division
- Chimaev's public rebuke of Rousey adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about fighter compensation and UFC relations
