UFC champion Khamzat Chimaev has hit back at those questioning his inactivity ahead of his return to action.
At UFC 328, Khamzat Chimaev will defend the UFC middleweight championship against Sean Strickland. Given the larger than life personality of his American challenger, this is likely to be one of the spiciest build-ups to a bout that Khamzat has had in his career thus far.
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Of course, every other time that Chimaev has stepped in there, he has simply been too much for his opponents to handle. The expectation for many is that this will be the case again, but mixed martial arts is the kind of sport that can throw a few surprises into the mix when we least expect it.
In a recent interview, Chimaev had the following to say to those who suggested that he isn’t active enough for someone who is currently at the top of the mountain.
Chimaev discusses criticism over his inactivity
“I don’t care,” Chimaev told Beyond The Win on criticism of being inactive. “These guys do. I’m making millions. These people are just talking and doing nothing. If you do your work, I don’t need to go and watch your work, how you do, how often you work out, how much you get. I care about myself, how much I make, how much I fight.”
Quotes via MMA Junkie
Khamzat is never going to be the kind of fighter who cares too much about what people think. With that being said, if he’s able to get through Sean Strickland and do so fairly easily, the hope will be that he get to watch him compete at least one more time this year.
If that doesn’t happen, questions will start to be asked, as he continues to pursue greatness in the form of a second world championship in the UFC.
Do you agree with the idea that Khamzat Chimaev isn’t active enough in mixed martial arts? How does the UFC try and fix this problem moving forward? Let us know your thoughts on this in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!
