Khamzat Chimaev Upset with ‘Ungrateful’ Ronda Rousey Over Negative UFC Remarks

UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev calls out UFC legend Ronda Rousey's demeaning comments towards the UFC.

Khamzat Chimaev Upset with ‘Ungrateful’ Ronda Rousey Over Negative UFC Remarks

Khamzat Chimaev goes off on Ronda Rousey (via MMA Mania, talkSPORT)

In Short
  • Khamzat Chimaev criticized Ronda Rousey for her negative comments about the UFC, calling her ungrateful.
  • Rousey is set to return to MMA under the MVP MMA banner after expressing concerns about UFC fighter compensation.
  • Chimaev's stance reflects a broader divide in opinions regarding fighter pay and the UFC's organizational structure.

The UFC has recently come under intense scrutiny over restrictive contracts and relatively low fighter compensation across the sport. These concerns have fueled ongoing debate about fighter earnings in MMA. One figure who has largely stayed clear of such controversies is Khamzat Chimaev. However, that changed as the Chechen phenom took aim at Ronda Rousey, who has been openly calling out the UFC.

Rousey was once the face of women’s MMA and the first female fighter signed to the UFC roster. However, she is now set to return to the Octagon under the MVP MMA banner for a superfight against Gina Carano. In recent times, she has been vocal about the limitations within the UFC’s organizational structure. She has also continued calling out top brass over these concerns in the lead-up to her return.

Chimaev is currently in camp for his upcoming title defense against Sean Strickland at UFC 328. As a result, he has maintained an active presence on social media, primarily on YouTube. He has been documenting his daily activities, from training sessions to spending time with his team. During one such instance, he addressed Ronda Rousey’s recent comments and urged the UFC legend to be grateful.

There would never have been Ronda Rousey without UFC. I hate this, like ungrateful. If they pay good or don’t pay good, who cares. When she was Olympic champ, what did she make then?

Khamzat Chimaev via his YouTube channel

The Chechen superstar is not the only one who has criticized Ronda Rousey’s recent comments. Former UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal also called her out for remarks about the promotion and its CEO, Dana White. Masvidal urged ‘Rowdy’ to show respect toward the organization that helped build her platform. He emphasized that the UFC played a key role in her rise to global recognition worldwide.

However, Rousey’s comments were not primarily aimed at Dana White. The former champion instead focused on UFC CBO Hunter Campbell and his role within the organization overall. She alleged that he manipulated fighters into risky decisions and limited what athletes are paid fairly. Rousey also revealed she wanted to return under the UFC banner, but claimed Campbell sabotaged their negotiations.

Khamzat Chimaev’s stance aligns with his past comments about not focusing heavily on UFC compensation debates. He has said his earnings and business ventures are sufficient for his needs and long-term plans. His investments in gyms in his Chechnya village reflect how UFC’s success has shaped his path. The situation highlights a growing divide in perspectives regarding fighter pay and structure.

Former UFC champion reveals why he wants Khamzat Chimaev to defeat Sean Strickland at UFC 328

When Khamzat Chimaev was still a rising contender, he was at odds with Luke Rockhold. The former middleweight champion called out Chimaev after he missed weight for his fight against Nate Diaz at UFC 279. Rockhold also revealed that the Chechen star declined a proposed main-event bout against him at the time, adding to the tension between the two fighters.

Khamzat Chimaev's return in 2026
Khamzat Chimaev’s return in 2026 (via Instagram)

However, ever since then, the tension between Chimaev and Rockhold has cooled down significantly. The two have transitioned from rivals to training partners and close friends. Rockhold has also been training with Chimaev ahead of his UFC 328 fight against Sean Strickland. This preparation period has shaped Rockhold’s recent comments on the matchup and his support for ‘Borz’.

Khamzat is so much more talented. I think Khamzat can really have a masterclass. I would love him to put this American away. I’m American, but I like good people. Khamzat is a great person through and through.

Luke Rockhold via Adam Zubayraev

Rockhold also carries a personal grudge against Sean Strickland, adding another layer to his stance on the fight. Strickland is known for his controversial personality and trash talk, which have often put him at odds with the UFC veteran. These tensions carry into the narrative surrounding UFC 328. As a result, Rockhold’s support for Khamzat Chimaev reflects both respect and rivalry context heading into the title clash.

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