Dana White has revealed that Hamzat Chimaev approached him after the fight and expressed his desire to move up in weight. According to White, Chimaev stated, "I want to move up in weight. I don't want to fight in this weight class anymore." White admitted he hasn't thought about specific opponents for Chimaev at light heavyweight yet, but he finds the prospect of Chimaev's transition to that division interesting. The announcement confirms speculation about Chimaev's future weight class plans following his performance at UFC 328. This represents a significant shift in Chimaev's career trajectory as he looks to leave the middleweight division behind.
Dana White confirmed Saturday night that Khamzat Chimaev has asked to move up to the light heavyweight division, with the UFC president revealing the conversation took place in the immediate aftermath of UFC 328 on May 9, 2026.
White disclosed that Chimaev approached him directly after the event and made his intentions clear, telling the promotion's chief that he no longer wants to compete at his current weight class and is ready to make the jump to 205 pounds. White acknowledged he has not yet mapped out potential opponents for Chimaev at light heavyweight, but described the prospect of the move as an interesting one.
The confirmation puts an end to speculation that had been building around Chimaev's long-term divisional home. Having operated at welterweight and middleweight during his UFC career, a shift to light heavyweight would represent the most significant weight class transition of his time in the promotion.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's move would shake up the light heavyweight division, one of the UFC's most competitive at present
- White's comments leave matchmaking at 205 pounds wide open, with no opponent discussions yet underway
- The departure from middleweight removes one of the division's most disruptive forces from that talent pool
- A fighter of Chimaev's profile entering light heavyweight carries major rankings implications for contenders already in the queue
Saturday, May 9, 2026
