Khamzat Chimaev has a ‘title fight or nothing’ pact with UFC middleweight he is friends with

UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen revealed that he and friend Khamzat Chimaev have an agreement to only fight each other if a championship belt is on the line. Speaking on MMA Junkie Radio, Allen explained that while he prefers not to fight his friend, the financial and career impact of competing for a UFC title makes an exception necessary for him and his family.

Chimaev is currently seeking a path back to the title after losing his middleweight championship to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in his first title defense. Meanwhile, Allen is on a four-fight winning streak, having defeated Christian Leroy Duncan, Edmen Shahbazyan, Reinier de Ridder, and Marvin Vettori, positioning him near the top of the division alongside Chimaev.