Theory emerges that Chimaev prepared for light heavyweight before late change

Analyst Vlad Matveev has proposed a theory that Khamzat Chimaev was originally preparing for a light heavyweight debut before plans changed at the last moment. This theory attempts to explain Chimaev's poor cardio performance against Sean Strickland, where he faded badly after the first round despite working with top sports science experts. Observers found it difficult to believe that such qualified preparation would result in only one round of cardio. The theory gains credibility from Chimaev's post-fight announcement that he intends to move to light heavyweight. Matveev suggests the sudden weight cut back down to middleweight may have compromised Chimaev's conditioning in ways that wouldn't have occurred with a full training camp at 185 pounds.