According to Arman Tsarukyan, Khamzat Chimaev was forced to cut approximately 21 kilograms (roughly 46 pounds) during his weight cut process. This substantial weight reduction highlights the extreme measures fighters sometimes take to make their contracted weight limits. The comment suggests Chimaev may be competing well below his natural walking weight. No additional context about the specific event or timeline was provided in the post.
Arman Tsarukyan has claimed that Khamzat Chimaev cut approximately 21 kilograms — roughly 46 pounds — in order to make weight for a fight, shining a spotlight on the extreme lengths the middleweight contender reportedly goes to during his weight cut process.
Tsarukyan, the number-one ranked lightweight contender, made the remark publicly, though no specific event or timeline was attached to the comment. The 29-year-old Russian, who trains out of American Top Team, carries a 23-3 record and competes at 155 pounds. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, Tsarukyan averages 3.85 significant strikes per minute and 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the more well-rounded fighters in the lightweight division.
Chimaev, the subject of the claim, is the number-one ranked middleweight and sits tenth in the pound-for-pound rankings. The 32-year-old, who fights out of Allstars Training Center and represents the United Arab Emirates, holds a 15-1 record and competes at 185 pounds. At six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, "Borz" is a physically imposing presence in the division. His 60 percent striking accuracy and 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes rank among the most dominant outputs in the sport. A 21-kilogram weight cut would suggest Chimaev walks around at close to 230 pounds between fights.
Why it matters
- A cut of that magnitude raises legitimate health and performance questions for a fighter competing at middleweight
- Chimaev is ranked first at 185 pounds, and questions about his weight management could factor into future matchmaking decisions
- Tsarukyan competes in an entirely different division, making the comment notable for the attention it draws to Chimaev's physical profile rather than any direct rivalry
