Chimaev nearly lost consciousness during weight cut, weighed 105kg at camp start

Arthur Chimaev, Khamzat's brother, provided detailed information about the disastrous weight cut in an interview with Vadim Tikhomirov. When 1.2 kg remained, Khamzat's body failed due to oxygen deprivation and they had to stop for an hour, though Khamzat completed the cut despite not knowing how he would fight in that condition. The problems stemmed from a last-minute fight change: Khamzat had a signed contract to fight Jiri Prochazka at 205 lbs, but UFC asked him to face Sean Strickland at 185 lbs instead. Two weeks before the fight Khamzat weighed 97 kg, and when the bout was announced in March he was 105 kg. After weigh-ins, Chimaev only regained 5-6 kg before entering the octagon. The team has requested a rematch with Strickland for October in Abu Dhabi.