UFC Champ Khamzat Chimaev Unfazed by Infrequent Fight Schedule: 'I Make More Money Outside UFC'

The middleweight titleholder is set to defend his belt against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in May.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:49am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold brushstrokes and neon colors that capture the raw power and movement of a UFC fighter, conveying the dynamic spirit of the sport.The neon-tinged energy of UFC champion Khamzat Chimaev's fighting style shines through in this expressionist portrait.Newark Today

UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is preparing to defend his title for the first time against rival Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in May 2026. Chimaev burst onto the scene in 2020 with a rapid three-fight winning streak, but has since fought less frequently, drawing criticism from fans. However, the champion says he doesn't care about the criticism, as he's 'making millions' from outside sponsorships and doesn't need to fight often to earn a living.

Why it matters

Chimaev's rise to the top of the UFC has been meteoric, but his infrequent fight schedule has puzzled fans who expected him to maintain a similarly breakneck pace. This story highlights the changing dynamics for top UFC stars, who can now leverage their fame and brand power to earn lucrative deals outside the Octagon, reducing the pressure to compete as often.

The details

After making UFC history in 2020 with the fastest three-fight winning streak in modern UFC, Chimaev has fought far less frequently, often limited to once per year. Some of this has been out of his control due to health issues and travel restrictions. However, Chimaev says he doesn't care about fan criticism, as he's 'making millions' from outside sponsorships and doesn't need to fight often to earn a living. The champion claims his biggest paydays are coming from outside the UFC, as people and brands are eager to work with him.

  • Chimaev is set to defend his UFC middleweight title on May 9, 2026 at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey.
  • Chimaev burst onto the scene in 2020 with the fastest three-fight winning streak in modern UFC history.

The players

Khamzat Chimaev

The current UFC middleweight champion who has drawn criticism for his infrequent fight schedule, despite his meteoric rise to the top of the division.

Sean Strickland

Chimaev's heated rival, who will challenge him for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 328.

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What they’re saying

“I don't care. I'm making millions. These people are just talking and doing nothing. Like, if you do your work, I don't need to go and watch you and [judge you] on how you do, how often you work out, how much you get. I care about myself, how much I make, and how much I fight.”

— Khamzat Chimaev, UFC Middleweight Champion

“I was living in a gym, and now, I'm living the dream. I make more money outside of the UFC because of who I've become. Wherever I go, people want to sponsor me, they want to do different things with me, and send me things.”

— Khamzat Chimaev, UFC Middleweight Champion

What’s next

If Chimaev successfully defends his title against Strickland at UFC 328, he could potentially fight again later in 2026 on the promotion's annual Abu Dhabi card.

The takeaway

Chimaev's story highlights the evolving landscape for top UFC stars, who can now leverage their fame and brand power to earn lucrative deals outside the Octagon. This reduces the pressure for champions like Chimaev to fight as frequently, as they can maintain their star status and earning potential with a more selective fight schedule.