Dana White revealed that Khamzat Chimaev approached him after UFC 328 requesting a move to light heavyweight. Chimaev told White, 'I want to move up in weight. I don't want to fight in this weight class anymore.' White acknowledged he had not yet considered potential matchups for Chimaev at 205 pounds but expressed interest in the move. The UFC president described the prospect of Chimaev competing at light heavyweight as 'interesting.' This represents a significant potential shift in Chimaev's career following his split decision loss to Sean Strickland. White's comments confirm Chimaev's intention to leave the middleweight division.
Dana White confirmed on May 10 that Khamzat Chimaev has requested a move to light heavyweight following his performance at UFC 328 the previous evening, a development that could reshape two divisions simultaneously.
Chimaev approached White directly after the event and made his intentions clear, telling the UFC president he no longer wants to compete at middleweight. White acknowledged he has not yet mapped out potential opponents for Chimaev at 205 pounds but called the prospect interesting, signaling the organization is open to accommodating the move.
The request comes on the heels of a split decision loss to Sean Strickland, which handed Chimaev the first defeat of his MMA career. The 32-year-old, who competes out of Allstars Training Center and represents the United Arab Emirates, now carries a 15-1 record. Entering that fight as the number one ranked middleweight and sitting tenth in the pound-for-pound rankings, Chimaev had built his reputation on a suffocating blend of pressure and grappling. He averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands significant strikes at a 60 percent accuracy rate, numbers that made him one of the most feared competitors in the 185-pound division.
At six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Chimaev's physical frame translates naturally to light heavyweight, and those dimensions could make him a credible force against 205-pound competition.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's departure would leave a significant void at the top of the middleweight division following Strickland's win
- At light heavyweight, his elite takedown volume and striking accuracy would immediately position him as a dangerous newcomer
- White has not yet identified matchups, meaning the timeline and opponent for a debut at 205 pounds remain entirely open
Saturday, May 9, 2026
