Khamzat Chimaev Unfazed by Inactivity Criticism: 'I Make Millions Outside of UFC'

The UFC Middleweight Champion says his outside business ventures earn him more than his UFC fights.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting Khamzat Chimaev's fighting style and business ventures through a fractured, multi-perspective lens, using muted tones of grey, blue, and green to capture the champion's financial independence from the UFC.Chimaev's diverse income streams extend far beyond the UFC octagon, as the champion leverages his personal brand for lucrative sponsorships and business deals.Las Vegas Today

UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev has faced criticism for his inactivity, having fought just once in 2025, 2024, and 2023 respectively. However, Chimaev says he doesn't pay attention to the criticism, as he makes millions of dollars outside of the UFC through sponsorships and other business ventures.

Why it matters

Chimaev's comments highlight the growing trend of top UFC fighters leveraging their fame and popularity to earn lucrative deals outside of the promotion, which could impact the UFC's ability to keep its biggest stars active and engaged.

The details

Chimaev, who is 15-0 since making his professional MMA debut in 2018, will defend his UFC Middleweight title for the first time against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9. Despite his infrequent fight schedule, Chimaev says he is 'living the dream' and making more money outside of the UFC through sponsorships and other business opportunities.

  • Chimaev won the UFC Middleweight title in August 2025.
  • Chimaev will defend his title for the first time at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026.

The players

Khamzat Chimaev

The undefeated UFC Middleweight Champion who has faced criticism for his infrequent fight schedule, but says he makes more money through outside business ventures than his UFC fights.

Sean Strickland

The challenger who will face Chimaev for the UFC Middleweight title at UFC 328 on May 9.

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What they’re saying

“I don't care. I make millions – a lot of people just talking and doing nothing. So I don't have time to speak about somebody. Like if you do your work, I don't need to go and watch you work, what you do, how often you work, how much you get. I care about myself, how much I make, how much I fight.”

— Khamzat Chimaev, UFC Middleweight Champion

“I've been living in the gym, now I'm living the dream.”

— Khamzat Chimaev, UFC Middleweight Champion

“I make more money out of UFC because who I became, Khamzat Chimaev, wherever I go, people they want to sponsor. They want to do different things with me.”

— Khamzat Chimaev, UFC Middleweight Champion

What’s next

The UFC Middleweight title fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland is scheduled for UFC 328 on May 9, 2026 in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

Khamzat Chimaev's comments highlight the growing trend of top UFC fighters leveraging their fame and popularity to earn lucrative deals outside of the promotion, which could impact the UFC's ability to keep its biggest stars active and engaged in the long run.