Khamzat Chimaev indicated he wants to move up to light heavyweight after his upcoming bout at UFC 328 against Sean Strickland. When asked about a potential interim title fight at 205 pounds, Chimaev said he hopes Carlos Ulberg recovers quickly but is not focused on what comes after Strickland. He emphasized that Strickland is a strong opponent and a good fighter despite the trash talk, and that he is fully concentrated on beating him first. Chimaev stated he does not care who comes next after Strickland, suggesting his priority is the immediate challenge. The post reflects a fighter looking beyond his current division while maintaining focus on his next assignment.
Khamzat Chimaev has signaled his desire to move up to light heavyweight after his middleweight clash with Sean Strickland at UFC 328, scheduled for May 9, 2026.
Chimaev, 30 — wait, 32 years old and representing the United Arab Emirates out of Allstars Training Center, enters the fight as the number-one ranked middleweight and sits tenth on the pound-for-pound list. He carries a 15-1 record and has built a reputation as one of the most complete mixed martial artists in the sport, posting a remarkable 60 percent striking accuracy alongside an elite grappling output of 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes. When asked about a potential interim title fight at 205 pounds, Chimaev acknowledged the idea but said his only concern right now is Strickland, adding that he hopes Carlos Ulberg recovers quickly.
Standing across from him will be the reigning middleweight champion, Sean Strickland. "Tarzan" is 35 years old, fights out of Xtreme Couture, and holds a 31-7 record. The American southpaw-no, orthodox striker is one of the most active fighters on the roster, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute, and owns a 76-inch reach at six-foot-one. Despite the well-documented verbal friction between the two men, Chimaev acknowledged Strickland as a strong and capable opponent.
At 35 and ranked third at light heavyweight, New Zealand's Carlos Ulberg holds a 15-1 record and lands an eye-catching 6.54 significant strikes per minute with 55 percent accuracy for City Kickboxing. His involvement in any future 205-pound picture depends on his health timeline.
Why it matters
- Chimaev would enter light heavyweight as an immediate contender given his current pound-for-pound status
- A victory over the middleweight champion Strickland would only strengthen that case
- Ulberg's availability shapes whether an interim title scenario at 205 pounds materializes
- The stylistic contrast between Chimaev's wrestling-heavy pressure and Strickland's high-volume striking sets up a compelling title fight at UFC 328
Saturday, May 9, 2026
