UFC President Dana White revealed that Khamzat Chimaev approached him immediately after the UFC 328 main event requesting a move to light heavyweight. According to White, Chimaev explicitly stated he no longer wants to compete in the middleweight division. White acknowledged he hasn't yet determined who Chimaev would face at 205 pounds but expressed interest in the move. The announcement confirms widespread speculation about Chimaev's weight class future following visible struggles making middleweight. White's comments suggest the UFC is open to facilitating Chimaev's transition to the higher weight class. No timeline or specific opponent has been mentioned for Chimaev's potential light heavyweight debut.
Khamzat Chimaev has formally requested a move to light heavyweight, with UFC President Dana White confirming on May 10 that the fighter approached him directly after the UFC 328 main event the previous night to make his intentions clear. According to White, Chimaev stated explicitly that he no longer wants to compete at middleweight, and White indicated the UFC is open to facilitating the transition, though no opponent or timeline has been established.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," carries a 15-1-0 record and currently sits as the number-one ranked middleweight and number-ten on the pound-for-pound list. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden, has long been considered one of the most physically dominant fighters in the sport. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, the orthodox grappler averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a remarkable 60 percent accuracy rate, putting away 4.04 significant strikes per minute. The move to 205 pounds would give his frame considerably more room to operate naturally.
White acknowledged he has not yet identified a specific opponent for Chimaev at light heavyweight, leaving the matchmaking picture entirely open at this stage.
Why it matters
- Chimaev departing middleweight reshuffles the top of a deep 185-pound division, with the number-one ranking now vacated
- A light heavyweight debut from the pound-for-pound top-ten fighter would immediately elevate any opponent's profile
- Chimaev's elite takedown volume and striking accuracy present a unique stylistic challenge for 205-pound contenders
Saturday, May 9, 2026
