Chimaev slams Ronda Rousey after criticism of the UFC: 'She would never exist without the company'

Chimaev in the octagon. Photo: Reproduction/X

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Khamzat Chimaev responded to Ronda Rousey 's comments about UFC salaries. The current middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) attacked the stance of the former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg), who criticized the company's payment policy at a promotional event. Annoyed by the American's attitude, the Russian didn't mince words when commenting on the judoka, defending the organization.

Chimaev's reaction came after Rousey publicly stated that the UFC is no longer a good place for fighters in financial terms. The Russian, however, completely disagreed with the analysis and called the former champion's stance ungrateful, highlighting the organization's importance for the judoka's global projection in MMA.

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“There would never have been a Ronda Rousey without the UFC. I hate this, this ingratitude. Whether they pay well or not, who cares? When she was an Olympic champion, how much was she earning back then?” Khamzat Chimaev exclaimed.

Khamzat Chimaev went IN on Ronda Rousey after her recent comments about UFC fighter pay 😬

"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 champion, what did she do then?”… pic.twitter.com/2rm6pwl2u7

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 23, 2026

Rousey's criticisms came during a press conference for an event promoted by Most Valuable Promotions on March 11th, which will be streamed on Netflix on May 16th. At the event, the former champion pointed out difficulties faced by both grassroots athletes and established names in the UFC.

"In the past, the UFC was the best place to make a living in combat sports and get paid fairly, but now it's one of the worst places to be. That's why so many top athletes are leaving to seek better salaries elsewhere. That's why champions like Valentina Shevchenko are selling photos of their breasts on OnlyFans."

Many young athletes can't support their families. They live in poverty, fighting full-time. This company just received $7,7 billion. There's no reason why they can't pay their athletes at least a decent wage,” Ronda Rousey said at the press conference.

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