Khamzat Chimaev is days away from defending his UFC middleweight title, but his focus is not limited to the Octagon. In a revealing media appearance, the undefeated champion spoke openly about his long term ambitions, and one name stood out. Conor McGregor.
Chimaev’s comments added a new layer of intrigue to an already high profile period in his career. While his immediate task is clear, his mindset appears to be shifting toward opportunities that extend beyond traditional MMA.
Money over legacy for Khamzat Chimaev
Chimaev did not hesitate when asked about his motivation. For him, the answer is simple.
How you can’t love the millions? he said. If you’re human, you should love the money.
It is a candid perspective from a fighter who has already reached the top of his division. While many champions emphasize legacy and titles, Chimaev made it clear that financial rewards carry equal, if not greater, importance at this stage.
He even downplayed the significance of his current belt, suggesting that success in combat sports is often tied to earnings rather than accolades.
I appreciate fighting, it gave me everything, he said. But I’m thinking about what comes next too.
A bold callout to Conor McGregor
Among those future possibilities, one idea stood above the rest. Chimaev expressed a strong interest in facing McGregor in a boxing match under the Zuffa Boxing banner.
Probably that one with Conor, Chimaev said. We just box. I’m not leaving MMA, I stay in UFC. But maybe if they give a chance, we do it.
Conor is a good boxer, one of the best in the UFC. It would be nice to try. Good money too. Better than Sean Strickland.
The proposal may seem unexpected, especially given the size difference between the two fighters. However, in the world of crossover fights, financial appeal often outweighs competitive logic.
McGregor’s influence on Chimaev’s journey
Khamzat Chimaev also revealed that McGregor played a role in shaping his career path. Watching McGregor’s rise and financial success left a lasting impression.
When I saw his fight and how much money he made, that’s when I got motivated, Chimaev said.
That moment helped drive him toward MMA, and now, years later, he finds himself in a position to potentially share the stage with the same figure who inspired him.
It adds a personal dimension to what would otherwise be seen purely as a business move.
Focus remains on Sean Strickland
Despite the talk of future fights, Chimaev has an immediate challenge ahead. He is set to face Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in Newark.
The matchup is one of the most anticipated middleweight bouts in recent months. Strickland brings a unique style and a willingness to engage both inside and outside the cage.
Chimaev, however, appears calm and focused.
Right now, we work on MMA,”he said. Everything else comes after.
A win over Strickland would strengthen his position as one of the most dominant fighters in the sport and open the door for the kind of high profile opportunities he is already discussing.
The business side of modern MMA
Chimaev’s comments reflect a broader trend within combat sports. Fighters are increasingly aware of the financial gap between MMA and boxing.
Top boxing events often generate significantly larger purses, especially when crossover appeal is involved. McGregor himself reportedly earned around 100 million dollars for his boxing match against Floyd Mayweather.
More recently, large paydays backed by major investors have continued to reshape expectations for elite fighters.
Chimaev understands this landscape.
We’re going to work on boxing too, he said. Every day, training, improving. Always ready.
Final thoughts
Khamzat Chimaev stands at an interesting point in his career. He is an undefeated champion with a major title defense ahead, yet his ambitions are already expanding beyond the division he rules.
His interest in a boxing match with Conor McGregor may raise questions about feasibility, but it also highlights the growing importance of financial opportunity in modern combat sports.
For now, his path runs through Sean Strickland. But if things go his way at UFC 328, the conversation could quickly shift from title defenses to superfights.
And if Chimaev gets what he wants, the next chapter of his career might take place under very different rules.
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