UFC/Paramount
Khamzat Chimaev apparently cut an insane amount of weight for his fight against Sean Strickland.
On Saturday night, Chimaev is set to defend his 185-pound title against Strickland.
According to Chimaev’s teammate Arman Tsarukyan, the UFC middleweight champion apparently was forced to cut 45 pounds to make weight.
“He cuts alot of weight, it’s not easy for anyone, even after your cutting three kilograms and Khamzat is cutting 21 kilograms.
🤔⚖️Arman Tsarukyan says Khamzat Chimaev is cutting 21kg (46lbs) for UFC 328
“21kg is a big number”
via @AdamZubayraev pic.twitter.com/3JvQaIW8BS
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) May 8, 2026
During his weigh-in, Chimaev looked extremely drained and exhausted while on th on the scale.
@jzosports Khamzat Chimaev looks drained l/exhausted during weigh-in #ufc328
⚖️ Video of Khamzat Chimaev leaving the weigh-ins room back to his hotel.
🫤He looked rough. pic.twitter.com/BSlbRK8jT1
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) May 8, 2026
Earlier this week, Chimaev hinted that he woul be moving up in weight in the near future due to the tough weight cuts at 185.
“Training with this guy, he’s one of the best in the world. It’s difficult. It’s difficult in all areas, in standup, in grappling. No one gets an easy round with Khamzat. It doesn’t matter what weight class, what size. So, that’s what my initial thoughts were. Like, damn, if he made the move up, we’re all kinda screwed. Yeah, that’s how I look at it.”