Khamzat Chimaev is reportedly moving up to light heavyweight, with Jiri Prochazka mentioned as the most interesting matchup given their history. However, the analyst sees serious problems for Chimaev at 205 pounds, as he will lose two key advantages: reach and physical strength. All fighters in that division are over 190 cm tall and strong, so even if he matches their strength, he won't be able to throw them around like middleweights and welterweights. If he gets caught like he did in the second round today or in the fifth round against Dricus Du Plessis, one or two ground strikes could end everything. Fully adapting to the new weight class will take years, and there are concerns about whether bulking up to 93 kg while cutting from 105-108 kg will damage his health, especially given his history of physical breakdowns that may stem from years of overtraining or congenital issues. The decision is critical: either stay at 185 pounds and restructure everything around a strict regimen, or take big risks in a new weight class where jumping between divisions and suffering a second straight loss could destroy his entire aura.
