Khamzat Chimaev released another clip of his sparring session with Brendan Allen and commented on Ronda Rousey's recent criticism of the UFC. Chimaev defended the promotion, stating there would be no Ronda without the UFC and expressing frustration with what he called her ingratitude. He questioned how much money Rousey earned as an Olympic champion compared to her UFC earnings. Additionally, Michael Morales posted a photo with Hunter Campbell indicating paperwork is ready. Jan Blachowicz successfully underwent knee surgery. Arman Tsarukyan claimed RAF's valuation increased from 15 million to 110 million after his three fights.
Khamzat Chimaev took aim at Ronda Rousey on social media this week, publicly defending the UFC after the former champion voiced criticism of the promotion, while also dropping a fresh sparring clip featuring middleweight contender Brendan Allen.
Chimaev, ranked first at middleweight and tenth on the pound-for-pound list, argued that Rousey owes a significant debt to the UFC, suggesting there would be no Ronda without the organization. The 32-year-old from the United Arab Emirates, who trains out of Allstars Training Center, questioned the financial gap between what Rousey earned as an Olympic champion and what the promotion paid her over the course of her career. Chimaev carries a 15-1 record and has been one of the division's most dominant presences, averaging 4.04 significant strikes per minute at 60 percent accuracy while also piling up 5.29 takedown attempts per 15 minutes.
Rousey, who retired with a 12-2 record and remains one of the most recognizable figures in combat sports history, has not publicly responded to the comments. The 39-year-old American was a foundational draw for the UFC's women's division during her run with the promotion.
The sparring footage Chimaev released featured Allen, the number-five ranked middleweight out of Kill Cliff FC. Allen, 30, holds a 26-7 record and has built a reputation as a well-rounded threat, landing 3.59 significant strikes per minute while averaging 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's public comments add a social media dimension to ongoing tension between fighters and UFC management
- The sparring clip with a top-five middleweight signals Chimaev is actively preparing for a high-level opponent
- Separate notes in the same news cycle: Michael Morales posted a photo alongside Hunter Campbell suggesting contract paperwork is in order, Jan Blachowicz came through knee surgery successfully, and Arman Tsarukyan claimed his management group RAF's valuation jumped from 15 million to 110 million on the back of his last three fights
