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Khamzat Chimaev hits back at Ronda Rousey over UFC criticism
TL;DR
Khamzat Chimaev responds to Ronda Rousey's criticism of UFC fighter pay. Both fighters are scheduled to return next month.
Key points
- Khamzat Chimaev responds to Ronda Rousey's criticism
- Ronda Rousey discusses UFC fighter pay issues
- Both fighters are scheduled to return next month
Khamzat ChimaevRonda Rousey
Photo by Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images
Both Khamzat Chimaev and Ronda Rousey are set to return next month.
And ahead of her appearance, she’s been open about her issues with UFC fighter pay, as well as other aspects of the promotion.
During an interview with The Pivot Podcast, the former Olympian highlighted the difference between what UFC athletes earn and what her Netflix card teammates are guaranteed for their upcoming event.
“People need to understand that every single person fighting on that card is making at least $100,000. The lowest paid fighter I think is getting $100,000 plus a percentage. Even though there’s no crowd, they’re still getting a percentage of that,” she said. “But it’s all under wraps how much money people make [in the UFC] because they don’t want people knowing.”
Khamzat Chimaev thinks Ronda Rousey’s UFC criticism shows ‘ungratefulness’
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Khamzat Chimaev is gearing up for his title defence at UFC 328, and while most fighters might be deep in a structured camp by now, he seems to be taking a more relaxed approach.
He recently posted the first video on his new YouTube channel and took the opportunity to respond to Ronda Rousey’s criticism of the UFC. Without much context around how the topic came up, Chimaev said: “there never would have been Ronda Rousey without [the] UFC.”
After hearing someone off-camera call her “ungrateful,” he replied: “I hate this,” before doubling down on the sentiment.
“If they pay good or they don’t pay good, who cares,” Chimaev added. “She was Olympic champ, what did she make then?”
Some people are questioning whether there’s more behind Rousey’s complaints than just fighter pay. She had hoped for a comeback fight in the UFC but talks broke down over money.
Others have taken issue with how she’s hyped her upcoming fight with Gina Carano.
Rousey has always split opinion, but it’s clear that her strong opinions are still drawing attention even years after stepping away from MMA.
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Q&A
What did Ronda Rousey say about UFC fighter pay?
Ronda Rousey criticized UFC fighter pay during an interview, comparing it unfavorably to the guaranteed earnings of her Netflix card teammates.
How did Khamzat Chimaev respond to Ronda Rousey's comments?
Khamzat Chimaev hit back at Ronda Rousey regarding her criticism of the UFC, although specific details of his response were not provided in the excerpt.
When are Khamzat Chimaev and Ronda Rousey returning to the UFC?
Both Khamzat Chimaev and Ronda Rousey are set to return to the UFC next month.