Dana White revealed that Khamzat Chimaev approached him immediately after his loss at UFC 328 and expressed a desire to move up to light heavyweight. Chimaev told White directly: "I want to move up in weight. I don't want to fight in this weight class anymore." White admitted he hasn't yet considered specific opponents for Chimaev at light heavyweight, but acknowledged that the move would be interesting. The decision appears to be driven by Chimaev's ongoing difficulties making the middleweight limit. White's comments suggest the UFC is open to facilitating Chimaev's move to the 205-pound division.
Dana White confirmed Saturday that Khamzat Chimaev has requested a move to light heavyweight following his loss at UFC 328 the previous evening, marking a potential division change for one of the sport's most dominant recent prospects.
Chimaev approached White directly after the fight and made his intentions clear. White recounted the conversation, with Chimaev telling him he wants to move up in weight and no longer wishes to compete at his current division. White acknowledged the move would be interesting but said he has not yet identified 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 UFC 328 as the number-one ranked middleweight and the number-ten ranked fighter pound-for-pound. He carries a record of 15 wins and 1 loss, with the defeat coming Saturday night. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Chimaev has long operated as one of the most complete fighters in the sport, averaging 4.04 significant strikes per minute at 60 percent accuracy while also threatening relentlessly on the mat with 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes. The move appears driven by persistent difficulties making the 185-pound middleweight limit.
Why it matters
- Chimaev would enter light heavyweight as an immediate ranking threat given his pound-for-pound standing and elite wrestling credentials
- His takedown volume and submission activity could create serious problems for a 205-pound division that skews toward strikers
- The UFC's openness to the move suggests a high-profile light heavyweight booking could come together relatively quickly
- How the loss at UFC 328 affects his divisional ranking and negotiating leverage at the new weight remains to be seen
Saturday, May 9, 2026
