Chimaev Weighed 105kg When UFC 328 Fight Announced, Brother Says

Vadim Tikhomirov conducted an important interview with Hamzat Chimaev's older brother Said, who explained why Chimaev performed poorly against Strickland. When the fight was announced in March, Chimaev weighed 105 kg, expecting to fight Jiri Prochazka at light heavyweight. Two weeks before UFC 328, he still weighed 97 kg. His body shut down when 1.2 kg remained to cut, forcing a one-hour pause before completing the weight cut. After weigh-ins, Chimaev only regained 5-6 kg before the fight. Chimaev's team has requested a rematch with Strickland at middleweight in October in Abu Dhabi.