Khamzat Chimaev’s brother claims fighter’s body ‘shut down’ during UFC 328 weight cut, wants rematch
MMA Fighting • • sports
Key Points:
- Khamzat Chimaev lost his UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland via split decision at UFC 328, with his team attributing the loss to a difficult weight cut that affected his performance.
- Chimaev struggled significantly during the weight cut from 231 to 185 pounds, experiencing oxygen deprivation and body malfunction, which compromised his condition on fight night.
- Originally expected to move up to light heavyweight and fight Jiri Prochazka, Chimaev accepted the last-minute title defense against Strickland, leading to the extreme and taxing weight cut.
- UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Chimaev plans to move to light heavyweight, but Chimaev and his team have requested an immediate rematch with Strickland, aiming for a fight in Abu Dhabi in October.
- Chimaev’s camp emphasizes his desire to settle unfinished business at middleweight before moving up in weight, signaling a potential rematch as the next goal.