Dana White revealed that Hamzat Chimaev approached him after the fight and stated he wants to move up in weight and no longer fight at his current division. White admitted he hasn't thought about specific opponents for Chimaev at light heavyweight, but finds the prospect of his move to that weight class interesting. The announcement came immediately following Chimaev's performance at UFC 328. White's comments suggest the UFC is open to Chimaev competing at 205 pounds going forward. No timeline or specific opponents were mentioned for Chimaev's light heavyweight debut.
Hamzat Chimaev told Dana White directly after UFC 328 on Saturday night that he wants to move up to light heavyweight and leave his current division behind, White revealed in comments following the event.
White confirmed that Chimaev approached him with the request immediately after his performance at UFC 328, held May 9, 2026. The UFC president said he finds the prospect of Chimaev competing at 205 pounds interesting, though he acknowledged he has not yet begun thinking about potential opponents for the Chechen-Swedish contender at the new weight class. No timeline was offered, and no specific matchups were floated.
Why it matters
- A move to light heavyweight would introduce one of MMA's most physically imposing welterweights and middleweights into a wide-open 205-pound division.
- The UFC's openness to the shift, signaled by White's public comments, suggests the organization is unlikely to stand in Chimaev's way.
- No opponent or debut date has been identified, leaving the light heavyweight landscape unsettled until formal booking begins.
The request coming directly from Chimaev to White in the immediate aftermath of a performance underscores that the fighter views the weight move as a priority rather than a distant consideration. White's willingness to discuss it publicly indicates the UFC is at minimum treating the conversation seriously, even if planning remains at the earliest possible stage.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
