Dana White confirmed that Hamzat Chimaev approached him after his fight and stated he wants to move up in weight and no longer wishes to compete in the middleweight division. White acknowledged he hasn't yet considered specific opponents for Chimaev at light heavyweight but finds the move interesting. This announcement comes following Chimaev's loss at UFC 328. The decision suggests ongoing weight management challenges for Chimaev at middleweight. No timeline or specific matchup has been determined for his light heavyweight debut.
Dana White confirmed Saturday that Khamzat Chimaev has requested a move to the light heavyweight division following his loss at UFC 328, telling the UFC president directly after the fight that he no longer wants to compete at middleweight.
White, speaking after the event, acknowledged the request and called the potential division change interesting, though he said he has not yet begun identifying opponents for Chimaev at 205 pounds. No timeline has been set, and no specific matchup is in place for a light heavyweight debut.
The announcement points to persistent weight management difficulties for Chimaev at middleweight, a challenge that has followed the fighter for much of his career at that limit. Moving to light heavyweight would represent a significant shift in trajectory for one of the division's most discussed names, though the full competitive landscape he would enter there remains to be addressed by UFC matchmakers.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's departure from middleweight reshapes the 185-pound divisional picture following his loss at UFC 328
- A move to light heavyweight at 205 pounds introduces a hard-hitting, wrestling-heavy profile into an already competitive division
- No opponent or return date has been confirmed, leaving the timeline for his debut uncertain
- Weight management concerns at middleweight had been a recurring topic, and this move appears to be a longer-term solution rather than a temporary adjustment
Saturday, May 9, 2026
