Dana White revealed that Khamzat Chimaev approached him after UFC 328 requesting to move up to light heavyweight. Chimaev told the UFC president he no longer wants to fight at middleweight. White stated he hasn't yet considered specific opponents for Chimaev at 205 pounds but finds the move interesting. The conversation took place immediately following Chimaev's split decision loss to Sean Strickland for the middleweight title. White's comments confirm Chimaev's intention to leave the middleweight division. The UFC president appears open to the weight class change despite not having concrete plans for matchmaking yet.
Dana White confirmed on Saturday that Khamzat Chimaev has formally requested a move to light heavyweight, approaching the UFC president immediately after his split decision loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9.
Chimaev told White directly that he no longer wishes to compete at middleweight, signaling an end to his run at 185 pounds. White acknowledged the conversation and described the potential weight class change as interesting, though he stopped short of identifying any specific opponents for Chimaev at 205 pounds.
The 32-year-old Chimaev, who fights out of Allstars Training Center and represents the United Arab Emirates, entered the Strickland title fight as the number-one ranked middleweight and the tenth-ranked fighter pound-for-pound. He carries a 15-1 record, with his only professional loss now coming against the reigning champion. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Chimaev has long possessed a physical frame that could translate well to the heavier division. His career numbers at middleweight reflect a relentlessly aggressive style — 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute at 60 percent accuracy, combined with 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most complete two-way threats in the sport.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's departure would reshape the middleweight top five, with the number-one contender spot now open following his title loss.
- At 205 pounds, Chimaev's wrestling volume and striking efficiency would immediately make him a threat to established light heavyweights.
- White's openness to the move suggests the UFC views Chimaev as a marketable force in a light heavyweight division that is always in need of fresh contenders.
- No matchmaking decisions have been made, leaving his first opponent at the new weight entirely undecided.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
