Dana White revealed that Khamzat Chimaev approached him after UFC 328 and stated he wants to move up to light heavyweight. According to White, Chimaev said, "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 matchups for Chimaev at 205 pounds but acknowledged that the move to light heavyweight is interesting. This represents a significant potential shift for Chimaev following his split decision loss to Sean Strickland at middleweight. No timeline or first opponent for the weight class change was mentioned.
Dana White confirmed Saturday that Khamzat Chimaev has requested a move to light heavyweight following his split decision loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 328.
Speaking after the event, White revealed that Chimaev approached him and made his intentions clear, stating he no longer wants to compete at middleweight and is ready to move up to 205 pounds. White acknowledged the move is interesting but said he has not yet identified specific opponents for Chimaev at light heavyweight and offered no timeline for the transition.
Chimaev, 32, now carries a 15-1 record after the Strickland defeat — the first loss of his professional career. Fighting out of Allstars Training Center and representing the United Arab Emirates, "Borz" had been ranked number one in the middleweight division and sat at number ten in the pound-for-pound rankings before UFC 328. The six-foot-two, 188 cm wrestler with a 75-inch reach built his reputation on relentless pressure, landing 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a 60 percent accuracy rate while averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes — numbers that made him one of the most dominant fighters in the division.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's move would shake up the light heavyweight division, where his grappling volume and striking accuracy could translate immediately at 205 pounds.
- His departure from middleweight removes the division's top-ranked contender, reshuffling the picture behind champion Sean Strickland.
- At six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Chimaev's frame is well-suited to light heavyweight, though how he fares against larger opponents at the new weight remains an open question.
- White has yet to name a first opponent, leaving the timeline for the debut entirely unclear.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
