Khamzat Chimaev released another clip of his sparring session with Brendan Allen. Chimaev also responded to Ronda Rousey's recent criticism of the UFC, stating there would be no Ronda without UFC and calling her ungrateful, asking how much she earned as an Olympic champion. Michael Morales posted a photo with UFC executive Hunter Campbell with text suggesting paperwork is ready, likely indicating a signed bout agreement. Jan Blachowicz successfully underwent knee surgery. Arman Tsarukyan claimed that before his involvement, the RAF promotion was worth 15 million, but after his three matches it is now valued at 110 million. More training footage emerged of Alex Pereira working pads with Glover Teixeira, and Francis Ngannou identified fighters' fear of losing UFC contracts as the main mistake preventing them from negotiating better deals.
Khamzat Chimaev stirred up social media this week by releasing fresh sparring footage alongside middleweight contender Brendan Allen, while also firing back at Ronda Rousey over her public criticism of the UFC.
Chimaev, ranked first in the middleweight division at 15-1-0, is one of the most dominant grapplers in the promotion. The 32-year-old, who trains out of Allstars Training Center in the UAE, lands an impressive 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and connects on 60 percent of his significant strikes — among the highest accuracy figures in the division. His sparring partner, Allen, is no soft touch either. Ranked fifth at middleweight with a 26-7-0 record, the 30-year-old American finisher from Kill Cliff FC averages 3.59 significant strikes per minute and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, making the footage a genuinely compelling look at two elite middleweights pushing each other.
On the Rousey front, Chimaev was blunt in his response to her recent UFC criticisms, arguing there would be no Ronda Rousey without the promotion and calling her ungrateful, questioning how much she earned as an Olympic champion before the UFC elevated her profile.
Elsewhere in the news cycle, welterweight prospect Michael Morales posted a photo with UFC executive Hunter Campbell accompanied by text suggesting paperwork is finalized, pointing toward a signed bout agreement. Former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz successfully came through knee surgery. Alex Pereira was seen working pads alongside veteran Glover Teixeira, the 46-year-old Brazilian holding a 33-9-0 career record and a 76-inch reach. And Arman Tsarukyan made a bold claim about his personal impact on the RAF promotion, stating it was valued at 15 million before his involvement and has since risen to 110 million following his three bouts there.
Francis Ngannou also weighed in on fighter empowerment, identifying fear of losing UFC contracts as the primary obstacle stopping fighters from negotiating better deals.
Why it matters
- Chimaev and Allen sparring keeps both middleweights relevant ahead of potential divisional matchups
- Morales signaling a signed agreement suggests the welterweight prospect is set to return soon
- Blachowicz clearing surgery opens the door for his light heavyweight comeback
- Ngannou's remarks on fighter contracts add to the ongoing conversation around UFC athlete rights
