Dana White revealed that Khamzat Chimaev approached him after UFC 328 and announced his intention to move up to the light heavyweight division. This decision comes immediately following Chimaev's split decision loss to Sean Strickland for the middleweight title. The move represents a significant shift for Chimaev, who has previously competed at welterweight and middleweight. White's statement confirms this is a serious consideration directly from the fighter. No specific opponent or timeline for the light heavyweight debut was mentioned.
Khamzat Chimaev has told UFC President Dana White that he wants to move up to light heavyweight, a revelation White made public following UFC 328. The announcement came directly from Chimaev after he suffered a split decision loss to Sean Strickland in a middleweight title fight, marking the first defeat of his professional career.
Chimaev, 32, entered that contest as the number one ranked middleweight contender and sits at number ten in the pound-for-pound rankings. Born in Chechnya and now representing the United Arab Emirates out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden, "Borz" carries a 15-1 record across campaigns at welterweight and middleweight. He has been one of the most statistically dominant fighters in the promotion, landing 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 60 percent, while averaging an imposing 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he would not enter light heavyweight undersized.
The move would represent a third divisional home for Chimaev, who already holds wins across two weight classes. White's public confirmation that Chimaev raised the idea personally suggests the conversation is a genuine one rather than idle speculation.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's loss to Strickland is his first professional defeat, making a divisional reset a logical next step
- A six-foot-two frame and a 75-inch reach translate comfortably to light heavyweight competition
- His elite takedown volume and finishing ability would immediately make him a credible threat in a 205-pound division he has never entered
- No opponent or timeline has been announced, leaving the shape of a light heavyweight debut entirely open
