Khamzat Chimaev calls for boxing match with Conor McGregor: ‘Better money than Sean Strickland’
BENSENVILLE, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 07: UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev speaks during the 'Faith of a Champion' live interview event on February 7, 2026, at Monty's Elegant Banquets in Bensenville, Illinois. As part of his 2026 USA speaking tour in partnership with the Human Development Fund (HDF), the undefeated fighter shared insights on his journey from refugee to world-class athlete, focusing on the intersection of faith, mental discipline, and his rise to the top of the mixed martial arts world. (Photo by Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images Khamzat Chimaev has some interesting ideas on what he’d like to do after beating Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9th in Newark, New Jersey.
During a media scrum in the Jaxxon Podcast warehouse, a chilled out Chimaev softly discussed what motivated him these days, and a lot of his answers came down to money. He claimed not to care about the middleweight title he now holds, and suggested fame and prestige has nothing on a padded bank account. “How you can’t love the millions?
” Chimaev asked. “If you’re human, you should love the money. ” And in that quest for money, Chimaev suggested he’d like to face Conor McGregor in a boxing match down the road.
“Probably would be Zuffa Boxing with Conor [McGregor],” he said when asked if any goal would get him excited. “Maybe that one. We just box.
I’m not gonna move over to the boxing. I will forever be a UFC fighter. But maybe if Zuffa gives a chance, box with Conor.