Media Chimaev reacts to RDR and Imavov bickering about early 2026 title shot

[Tweak896]

It's pretty awful how many fighters are waiting until 2026 to actually fight. Off the top of my head, Khamzat, Shavkat, Topuria, Max. We really need some AI tool that updates a database and call out inactive fighters. Hard to be a fan when you see your fighter once a year.

 

[usernamee]

It's pretty awful how many fighters are waiting until 2026 to actually fight. Off the top of my head, Khamzat, Shavkat, Topuria, Max. We really need some AI tool that updates a database and call out inactive fighters. Hard to be a fan when you see your fighter once a year.

Does the new deal come into place in 2026? Wouldn't be surprised if they are shelving a lot of guys to start off the new deal with a bang.

 

[Tweak896]

Does the new deal come into place in 2026? Wouldn't be surprised if they are shelving a lot of guys to start off the new deal with a bang.

I was reading that fighters that can sell PPVs wanted to be active and get some PPV headliners before the deal came in, but clearly that hasn't happened. Only the fighters know if Paramount is more lucrative over the current ESPN PPV split. No one besides Conor or Jones really sell though that I know of. I figured maybe Khamzat/Topuria/Pereira might sell enough to chase PPVs before it ends, guess that's not the case. The truth is only the UFC/Fighters know the truth and they are sitting behind NDAs and we're stuck with speculation.

 

[usernamee]

I was reading that fighters that can sell PPVs wanted to be active and get some PPV headliners before the deal came in, but clearly that hasn't happened. Only the fighters know if Paramount is more lucrative over the current ESPN PPV split. No one besides Conor or Jones really sell though that I know of. I figured maybe Khamzat/Topuria/Pereira might sell enough to chase PPVs before it ends, guess that's not the case. The truth is only the UFC/Fighters know the truth and they are sitting behind NDAs and we're stuck with speculation.

Fighters don't have any say in it though. Regardless of what's more lucrative for them if UFC wants to make sure they got a stable of their top guys ready to go as soon as the new deal comes into place that's what they'll make sure to have. Nobody might be a particular massive star but any kind of stardom is better than none at all.

 

[Alpha_T83]

Does the new deal come into place in 2026? Wouldn't be surprised if they are shelving a lot of guys to start off the new deal with a bang.

Yes from what I heard January 2026 will feature the UFC on Paramount+. I've seen quite a few people on these forums speculating the same thing.

I'm assuming we will see Khamzat & Topuria both scheduled early in 2026.

 

[Istryker]

5 wins in 1 year though if he wins next fight. Hard to argue against that type of activity.

He can have next after imavov

 

[Ramon Antonio]

He can have next after imavov

He’ll have first it he wins.

 

[MerAndre DvalishFili]

imo Brandon will beat the shit out of RDR

Brandon who? Joe Brandon??

 

[wwkirk]

Brandon who? Joe Brandon??

 

[Morris88]

View attachment 1113831

The start of that gif looks sus

 

[whooty]

To me all that matters is that Khamzat fights somebody soon. I don't really care if its Imavov or RDR, just get him in the cage and make him be active