Vadim Tikhomirov conducted an important interview with Hamzat Chimaev's older brother Said, who explained the fighter's poor performance against Strickland was due to a brutal weight cut. When the fight was announced in March, Chimaev weighed 105 kg expecting to fight Prochazka at light heavyweight. Two weeks before UFC 328, he was at 97 kg. His body shut down when 1.2 kg remained to cut, requiring a one-hour break before completing the weight cut. After weigh-ins, Chimaev only regained 5-6 kg before the fight. The team has requested a rematch with Strickland for October in Abu Dhabi at middleweight.
UFC 328
Saturday, May 9, 2026






