Khamzat Chimaev Blasts Ronda Rousey’s UFC Pay Criticism, Questions Her Olympic Earnings

Khamzat Chimaev and Ronda Rousey (Photo by Imagn Images)

Khamzat Chimaev Blasts Ronda Rousey’s UFC Pay Criticism, Questions Her Olympic Earnings

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Sarthak Khanna | Last updated Apr 23, 2026 10:49 PM ET

Current UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev recently went all out when dropping his take on Ronda Rousey’s comments about UFC’s pay structure. The undefeated contender pushed back on Rousey’s criticism and took a firm stance in defense of the promotion. He stated that it was the promotion that gave many fighters a good platform to finally make a name for themselves and showcase their talent.

Rousey, who has been more vocal lately about fighter compensation, suggested that UFC athletes don’t always receive a fair share of the revenue they help generate. Her comments sparked debate across the MMA community, with many fighters and fans weighing in on both sides of the issue.

Chimaev, however, made it clear he disagrees. “There would never have been Ronda Rousey without UFC. I hate this, like [ungrateful],” he said. “If they pay good or don’t pay good, who cares. When she was Olympic champ, what did she make then?”

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 champ, what did she make then?”… pic.twitter.com/2rm6pwl2u7
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 23, 2026

The Chechen-born star pointed to Rousey’s early career in judo, implying that the UFC provided her with opportunities and financial success she didn’t have before.

What Did Ronda Rousey Say Exactly?

Ronda Rousey is currently preparing for her next bout against Gina Carano, headlining a Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) event. During one of the press conferences ahead of her bout, Rousey did not hesitate in slamming Dana White and his promotion for providing significantly lower pay to fighters.

Further, she even named Valentina Shevchenko as an example of how fighters have to resort to other means to earn a living.

“The UFC is one of the worst places to go,” Rousey said while discussing fighter pay (video here; warning: viewer discretion advised. “Their champions like Valentina Shevchenko are selling pictures of their t****es on OnlyFans.”

Further, she provided a solid reason as to why fighters deserve better pay. Pointing to the promotion’s current valuation and UFC’s recent contract with Paramount, Rousey sees no reason why fighters can’t get some extra bucks for fighting. Certainly, her words did trigger a chain reaction, encouraging many other fighters to discuss the issue.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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