In a collection of brief updates: Khamzat Chimaev released another clip of his sparring session with Brendan Allen. Chimaev also criticized Ronda Rousey's recent UFC complaints, stating there would be no Ronda without the UFC and calling her ungrateful. Michael Morales posted a photo with Hunter Campbell captioned that paperwork is ready. Jan Blachowicz successfully underwent knee surgery. Arman Tsarukyan claimed that RAF promotion was worth 15 million before his three fights and is now valued at 110 million. Alex Pereira shared another video of intense pad work with Glover Teixeira. Francis Ngannou discussed what he sees as a major mistake by modern fighters: signing unfavorable contracts out of fear of losing their UFC deals, and revealed some fighters were offered big-money Netflix fights with him but are contractually bound.
A flurry of news items circulated across the MMA world on April 24, 2026, touching on sparring footage, a surgical update, contract talk, and fighter business ventures.
Khamzat Chimaev, the number-one ranked middleweight at 15-1-0, released another clip from his sparring sessions with Brendan Allen. The 32-year-old representing the UAE and training out of Allstars Training Center is one of the division's most dominant presences, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing significant strikes at a 60 percent accuracy clip. Allen, ranked fifth in the middleweight division with a 26-7-0 record, is a credible measuring stick for any top contender. The 30-year-old Kill Cliff FC product lands 3.59 significant strikes per minute and generates consistent grappling pressure with 1.56 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. Chimaev also directed public criticism at Ronda Rousey over her recent comments about the UFC, paraphrasing that there would be no Rousey without the organization and characterizing her remarks as ungrateful.
Michael Morales posted a photo alongside UFC executive Hunter Campbell with a caption suggesting his contract paperwork is ready to be finalized.
Jan Blachowicz successfully came through knee surgery, according to updates shared around the same time.
Arman Tsarukyan claimed that his RAF promotion carried a valuation of 15 million before his first three fights there and has since grown to 110 million.
Alex Pereira was seen in another video conducting intense pad work alongside 46-year-old Brazilian veteran Glover Teixeira, who holds a 33-9-0 professional record and carries a 76-inch reach into every training session.
Francis Ngannou addressed what he views as a widespread mistake among today's fighters — signing unfavorable contracts out of fear of losing their UFC positions. Ngannou also disclosed that several fighters had been offered significant Netflix bouts alongside him but were unable to accept due to existing contractual obligations.
Why it matters
- Chimaev and Allen sparring footage keeps the number-one middleweight contender's activity visible ahead of any potential title pursuit
- Morales signaling finalized paperwork suggests his next booking may be imminent
- Ngannou's comments on fighter contracts add to an ongoing broader conversation about athlete leverage and outside opportunities
