Vadim Tikhomirov conducted a revealing interview with Khamzat Chimaev's older brother Said, who explained the circumstances behind Khamzat's poor performance against Sean Strickland. When the fight was announced in March, Chimaev weighed 105 kg, having expected to fight Jiri Prochazka at light heavyweight. Two weeks before UFC 328, his weight was 97 kg, and his body shut down when 1.2 kg remained to cut. After the weigh-in and before the fight, Chimaev regained only 5-6 kg, far below optimal. Said also confirmed that Chimaev's team has requested a rematch with Strickland at middleweight for October in Abu Dhabi.
An interview with Said Chimaev, older brother of Khamzat Chimaev, has shed new light on why the top-ranked middleweight delivered a diminished performance against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9.
Said told journalist Vadim Tikhomirov that when the fight was formally announced in March, Khamzat weighed 105 kilograms. That figure reflected the fact that Chimaev had been preparing for a light heavyweight bout against Jiri Prochazka and had been living at a much heavier bodyweight. Once the Strickland matchup was confirmed at middleweight, a severe cut became unavoidable.
Two weeks out from fight night, Khamzat was still at 97 kg. His body gave out when roughly 1.2 kg remained to shed, and the process had to stop. After making weight and before walking to the cage, he recovered only five to six kilograms — well short of the rehydration a fighter at his size typically needs to compete at full strength.
Khamzat Chimaev, 30 years old and fighting out of Allstars Training Center, entered UFC 328 as the number-one ranked middleweight with a 15-1 record. The Borz is known for one of the most aggressive wrestling attacks in the division, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, and his 60 percent striking accuracy ranks among the best in the weight class.
Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, is 35 years old and carries a 31-7 record. Fighting out of Xtreme Couture, Tarzan averages 6.04 significant strikes per minute and has built his reign on relentless volume and durability.
Said Chimaev also confirmed that Khamzat's team has formally requested a rematch with Strickland at middleweight, with October in Abu Dhabi cited as the target.
Why it matters
- The weight revelations provide context for Chimaev's performance and may strengthen his case for an immediate rematch
- A potential October date in Abu Dhabi would fit the UFC's regular schedule in that region
- The divisional stakes are significant: a win for either man would either cement Strickland's reign or hand the title to the number-one contender
Saturday, May 9, 2026
