Arthur, Hamzat Chimaev's brother, revealed extensive details about the problematic weight cut in an interview with Vadim Tikhomirov. When 1.2 kg remained to cut, Chimaev's body shut down due to oxygen deprivation and the process was paused for an hour. Chimaev weighed 97 kg two weeks before the fight and 105 kg in mid-March, as he was preparing for Jiri Prochazka at light heavyweight before accepting the middleweight bout with Strickland. After weigh-ins, Chimaev only rehydrated 5-6 kg before the fight, significantly less than typical. The team has formally requested a rematch with Strickland for October in Abu Dhabi.
Hamzat Chimaev's brother Arthur has shed light on the severe complications the fighter endured during his weight cut ahead of the recent middleweight bout against Sean Strickland, revealing that Chimaev came close to losing consciousness before the process was complete.
Speaking in an interview with Vadim Tikhomirov, Arthur described a harrowing sequence of events when approximately 1.2 kilograms remained to be cut. Chimaev's body shut down due to oxygen deprivation, forcing the team to pause the cut entirely for an hour. The fighter had weighed 97 kilograms just two weeks before the fight and had been sitting at 105 kilograms in mid-March, a figure consistent with his original preparation for a light heavyweight matchup with Jiri Prochazka before he accepted the middleweight booking against Strickland on shorter notice. After making weight, Chimaev rehydrated only five to six kilograms before stepping into the cage, a significantly smaller recovery window than fighters typically allow themselves.
Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, carries a record of 31 wins and 7 losses. The 35-year-old American trains out of Xtreme Couture and is known for his relentless output, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute. He holds a reach of 76 inches, or 193 centimeters, and stands six feet one inch tall.
Prochazka, the number-two ranked light heavyweight contender, holds a record of 32-6-1. The 33-year-old Czech fighter trains at Jetsaam Gym Brno and stands six feet three inches tall with an 80-inch, or 203-centimeter, reach. He lands 5.69 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 55 percent.
Why it matters
- The oxygen deprivation episode raises serious questions about Chimaev competing at middleweight long-term
- A severely limited rehydration window of only five to six kilograms likely affected Chimaev's performance and recovery between rounds
- Chimaev's team has formally requested a rematch with Strickland for October in Abu Dhabi, setting up a potential title fight with full camp preparation at the correct weight
