Dana White shuts down Chimaev's 205lb move

Following Sean Strickland's victory over Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston on February 21, 2026, UFC CEO Dana White rejected Khamzat Chimaev's request to move to the light heavyweight division at 205lbs. Chimaev, the current middleweight champion, had expressed interest in competing at a higher weight class amid ongoing title discussions. White's decision keeps Chimaev focused on the 185lb division, where Strickland's win positions him as a strong contender for a rematch or title shot. This impacts the middleweight title picture by maintaining divisional integrity and potentially setting up high-stakes bouts like Chimaev vs. Strickland. Expect Chimaev to defend his title soon against top challengers.