Khamzat Chimaev is set to challenge for the UFC middleweight title on August 16 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, facing reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis. Known for his aggressive approach and confident persona, Chimaev’s $700,000 asking price to appear on streamer Adin Ross’s channel has been widely criticized as excessive, potentially costing him valuable promotional exposure ahead of the UFC 319 pay-per-view event.
“I connected with someone from Khamzat’s team and the guy said $700,000 to stream with Khamzat…I’ve never laughed so hard in my life. It was insane,”
Adin Ross revealed during one of his recent live streams, highlighting how outlandish the fee appeared for the social media and podcasting industry. Many other fighters have made appearances on Ross’s channel without such high demands, tapping into his large and engaged audience.
Despite UFC CEO Dana White acknowledging Ross’s role in drawing media attention for other high-profile figures, Chimaev declined what could have been a substantial promotional boost by setting the fee beyond reasonable expectations. Some fans speculate that the high costs associated with living stateside and pre-fight camps may have contributed to these financial demands. For now, Chimaev is relying on his manager Adam Zubayraev and the ‘Hustle’ Vlog for his pre-fight media presence.
Examining the Stakes: What a Chimaev Victory Could Mean for the Middleweight Division
As Khamzat Chimaev prepares for his first title fight, the MMA community remains divided about his potential to hold and defend the middleweight belt. His opponent, Dricus Du Plessis, is favored by many due to his consistent health and fewer fight cancellations. Commentators have expressed doubts about the likelihood of Chimaev maintaining championship activity, especially given his history of withdrawals and camp illnesses.
Despite these concerns, Chimaev commands a massive following on Instagram, boasting over 10 million followers — outpacing stars like Israel Adesanya and Charles Oliveira. His international fanbase and reputation as a strong pay-per-view draw for global venues like Abu Dhabi position him as a major figure in the sport.
Still, MMA analyst Din Thomas voiced caution on ‘The BohnFire’ podcast, expressing skepticism about Chimaev’s ability to sustain the demands of being a champion:
If Khamzat wins, it’s a disaster…actually; You can’t tell me that a part of you is thinking, ‘This fight actually might not happen.’ … Some of these guys are just habitual in terms of not making it to the dance. If he does show up and he does win, do we trust him to be able to fight again? [For now] We need movement. I hate when it’s just static and there’s no movement in these divisions.
—Din Thomas, MMA Analyst
Thomas emphasized the importance of activity in the division, contrasting Chimaev’s unreliability with other fighters who have stalled their divisions, such as Jon Jones and the stalled Alexa Grasso versus Valentina Shevchenko trilogy. If Chimaev wins the title but fails to defend it consistently, the middleweight division could face further stagnation.
Missed Media Opportunities and Rising Expectations
Chimaev’s demanding streaming fee came at a time when fighters rely heavily on social media and live streaming to generate buzz around their fights. Platforms like Adin Ross’s channel, which have a proven track record of helping fighters reach broader audiences, were not accessible due to the financial barrier. This refusal may limit Chimaev’s visibility in the crucial lead-up to UFC 319, potentially impacting pay-per-view sales and fan engagement.
As Chimaev enters his first title fight, his management has attempted to fill the promotional gap through appearances like the recent guest spot on the ‘JAXXON’ Podcast. However, questions remain about whether these efforts can match the reach and influence that live streaming channels offer in today’s combat sports media landscape.
Divergent Views Within the MMA Community Ahead of the Fight
The conversations surrounding Khamzat Chimaev extend beyond his streaming demands to his overall impact on the sport. Fighters and analysts alike debate his fighting style and future, with some seeing him as a dominant berserker while others predict potential issues in maintaining consistency at the championship level. Reinier de Ridder, following his win at UFC on ABC 9, suggested Chimaev’s style is more “typical” and easier to prepare for compared to Du Plessis, adding complexity to the predictions for the upcoming bout.
With millions of fans watching worldwide and high stakes at play, the outcome of UFC 319 will likely have a ripple effect on future matchmaking, divisional momentum, and promotional strategies. Chimaev’s performance and behavior before and after the fight will be scrutinized closely, as the UFC community seeks clarity on his reliability as a long-term champion.
What Lies Ahead for Khamzat Chimaev and the UFC Middleweight Division
The fight scheduled for August 16 represents a critical moment for Khamzat Chimaev’s career and the middleweight division’s trajectory. His $700,000 streaming demand and the resulting missed promotional opportunities have already sparked discussion about his professionalism and strategic decisions outside the octagon.
Should Chimaev win and defend his title actively, he could solidify his legacy as one of the sport’s top stars with a vast international following. Conversely, if he struggles with consistency, it could lead to stagnation within the division and frustration among fans eager for dynamic competition. As the fight approaches, the MMA world remains anxious, conflicted, and closely watching how these unprecedented circumstances will unfold both inside and outside the cage.