Middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev made weight for his UFC 328 title bout against Sean Strickland with mere minutes to spare, tipping the scales at 185 pounds. According to his close friend and training partner, Arman Tsarukyan, Chimaev underwent a significant weight cut, losing approximately 21 kilograms (46 pounds) to achieve this. Following the weigh-in ceremony, Chimaev appeared to be extremely fatigued and lacked the energy to interact with his team or the media, his drained appearance highlighting the toll of the drastic weight cut.
In contrast, Sean Strickland was among the first fighters to successfully make weight. UFC analyst Daniel Cormier voiced his concern upon observing Chimaev’s post-weigh-in demeanor. Cormier remarked, “He looks pretty dejected, man. He’s hurting. How did this man make weight? He’s miserable. He looks so skinny.” Chimaev himself has indicated that this will be his last fight at middleweight, expressing a desire to move up to the light heavyweight division (205 pounds) for his future contests.
Adding another layer to the weigh-in drama, fighter Bryce Mitchell alleged that the scales used at UFC 328 were rigged and that Khamzat Chimaev did not actually make weight. Mitchell stated, “That dude didn’t make that weight. There’s no convincing me bro… it’s all bullsh*t. [Khamzat] gets special treatment… he didn’t make that weight and I think Sean’s champ already. They don’t want him to win because they can’t control what he says and he loves America.” Some observers also pointed out that the scale appeared to be set at 185 pounds before Chimaev stepped on it and was not readjusted, leading to the pointer remaining at the top, which they interpreted as further evidence of manipulation.
Daniel Cormier Shocked by Khamzat Chimaev’s Grueling Weight Cut for UFC 328
Middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev managed to make weight for his UFC 328 title fight against Sean Strickland just 20 minutes before the deadline, hitting the 185-pound mark. His training partner and friend, Arman Tsarukyan, revealed that “Borz” had to shed nearly 21 kilograms to meet the weight requirement. After the weigh-ins, Chimaev displayed a lack of energy, unable to engage with his team or the press, his gaunt appearance underscoring the severity of his weight cut.
Sean Strickland, conversely, was an early fighter to successfully make weight. Daniel Cormier, watching Chimaev, expressed his concern about the fighter’s physical state. Cormier commented, “He looks pretty dejected, man. He’s hurting. How did this man make weight? He’s miserable. He looks so skinny.” Chimaev has publicly stated his intention to cease competing at middleweight and hopes to move up to the 205-pound division for his next fight.
Adding to the controversy, Bryce Mitchell has claimed that the UFC 328 weigh-in scales were manipulated and that Khamzat Chimaev failed to make weight. Mitchell argued, “That dude didn’t make that weight. There’s no convincing me bro… it’s all bullsh*t. [Khamzat] gets special treatment… he didn’t make that weight and I think Sean’s champ already. They don’t want him to win because they can’t control what he says and he loves America.” Several online commenters also noted that the scale was seemingly pre-set to 185 pounds and not adjusted for Chimaev, with the indicator remaining at the top, fueling speculation of an unfair process.
English Translation:
Daniel Cormier Shocked by Khamzat Chimaev’s Grueling Weight Cut Ahead of UFC 328
For his UFC 328 title fight against Sean Strickland, middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev successfully weighed in at 185 pounds with only 20 minutes remaining. According to Chimaev’s close friend and training partner, Arman Tsarukyan, “Borz” had to cut nearly 21 kgs for UFC 328. Following the weigh-in, Chimaev appeared drained and lacked the energy to speak with his team or the press, his visibly fatigued state indicating a drastic weight cut for the Chechen-born Emirati fighter.
Sean Strickland, on the other hand, was one of the initial fighters to make weight. Daniel Cormier, observing Chimaev’s post-weigh-in body language, expressed concern. Cormier stated: “He looks pretty dejected, man. He’s hurting. How did this man make weight? He’s miserable. He looks so skinny.” Chimaev has previously indicated that this will be his final appearance at middleweight, expressing a preference to compete at 205 pounds in his next bout.
Bryce Mitchell has alleged that the scales at the UFC 328 weigh-ins were rigged and that Khamzat Chimaev did not make weight. Mitchell commented: “That dude didn’t make that weight. There’s no convincing me bro… it’s all bullsh*t. [Khamzat] gets special treatment… he didn’t make that weight and I think Sean’s champ already. They don’t want him to win because they can’t control what he says and he loves America.” Numerous online users also pointed out that the scale was reportedly set to 185 before Chimaev stepped on it, and the commission did not adjust it, causing the indicator to remain fixed at the top, suggesting a potential issue with the weigh-in process.