Khamzat Chimaev approached Dana White after his recent fight and stated he wants to move up to light heavyweight and no longer compete at middleweight. White confirmed the conversation and acknowledged he had not yet considered specific opponents for Chimaev at 205 pounds, but finds the prospect of Chimaev moving to the division interesting. This marks a potential turning point in Chimaev's career as he looks to escape the challenges of middleweight. Further details on timing or matchmaking were not provided.
Khamzat Chimaev has told UFC president Dana White he wants to leave middleweight behind and compete at light heavyweight, a conversation that took place in the aftermath of UFC 328 on May 9.
Chimaev, 32, currently sits as the number-one ranked middleweight in the UFC and is ranked tenth pound-for-pound. Fighting out of Allstars Training Center and representing the United Arab Emirates, the 188-centimeter, Orthodox-stance fighter owns a professional record of 15-1-0. His numbers inside the octagon are striking: he lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a 60 percent accuracy rate, and his wrestling output of 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes makes him one of the most dangerous grapplers in any division.
White confirmed the exchange took place and acknowledged the idea of "Borz" moving up to 205 pounds is an intriguing one, though he noted he has not yet begun thinking through potential opponents for Chimaev at light heavyweight. No timeline or specific matchmaking details were offered.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the top-ranked middleweight, so his departure would reshape the 185-pound title picture significantly.
- At light heavyweight he would carry elite wrestling credentials and high-volume striking into a division that has seen considerable turnover near the top.
- His 75-inch reach and 188-centimeter frame suggest a physical profile that translates naturally to 205 pounds.
- No opponents or dates have been discussed, leaving the move at the conversation stage for now.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
