Chimaev's brother reveals 105kg starting weight for middleweight title fight

In an interview with Vadim Tikhomirov, Khamzat Chimaev's older brother Saidov (Arthur) explained the severe weight cutting issues that impacted UFC 328. When the fight was announced in March, Chimaev weighed 105 kg because he expected to face Jiri Prochazka at light heavyweight. Two weeks before UFC 328, his weight was still 97 kg. During the final cut, when 1.2 kg remained, Chimaev's body shut down and required a one-hour break before completing the weight. After weigh-ins, he only regained 5-6 kg before fight time. The team has requested a rematch with Sean Strickland at middleweight for October in Abu Dhabi.