An analytical post suggests Khamzat Chimaev may have been preparing for a light heavyweight debut at 93 kg, but plans changed at the last moment. The theory, attributed to Vlad Matveev, argues that Chimaev's conditioning team is too experienced to produce only one round of cardio if they had targeted middleweight. The post notes Chimaev's cardio issues despite working with top-level sports science professionals. It also discusses the Van versus Taira fight as a potential ongoing rivalry similar to Moreno-Figueiredo. Additionally, the post mentions Alexander Volkov benefiting from close decisions in his recent fights.
A theory circulating in MMA analytical circles suggests Khamzat Chimaev may have originally been targeting a light heavyweight appearance at UFC 328, with a reported walk-around weight of 93 kilograms cited as the basis for the claim. The analysis, attributed to commentator Vlad Matveev, argues that Chimaev's conditioning staff — described as top-level sports science professionals — would not have produced only a single round of usable cardio had the team been preparing for middleweight. The suggestion is that a last-minute change of plans altered the division targeted. Because this theory has not been officially confirmed by Chimaev's camp or the UFC, it should be treated as unverified speculation.
The post also touches on the flyweight rivalry between champion Joshua Van and ranked contender Tatsuro Taira, floating the idea that their matchup could develop into a multi-fight series comparable to the celebrated Moreno-Figueiredo sequence. Van, 24, fights out of Myanmar and currently holds the flyweight title with a 17-2 record. He lands an exceptional 8.84 significant strikes per minute at 56 percent accuracy, making him one of the division's most active offensive weapons. Taira, 26, represents Japan with an 18-2 mark and sits fifth in the flyweight rankings. His game leans heavily on wrestling, averaging 3.12 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.6 submission attempts in the same span.
Separately, the post references heavyweight Alexander Volkov, noting he has benefited from close judging in recent outings. The Russian ranks first in the heavyweight division at 37 years old, carrying a 40-11 record. Standing six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, Volkov lands 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- If the light heavyweight theory holds, Chimaev moving up would significantly reshape two divisions simultaneously
- A Van versus Taira series would anchor the flyweight division with a high-profile ongoing rivalry
- Volkov's position at the top of the heavyweight rankings makes any questions about his recent performances relevant to title contention
Saturday, May 9, 2026
