Arthur, Khamzat Chimaev's brother, provided detailed information about the disastrous weight cut that preceded UFC 328. Chimaev was preparing for a light heavyweight bout with Jiri Prochazka when UFC contacted him directly to fight Strickland at middleweight, forcing a cut from 105 kg to 84 kg. When 1.2 kg remained, Chimaev's body shut down due to oxygen deprivation, requiring a one-hour break before completing the cut. Chimaev only regained 5-6 kg before the fight, compared to his usual recovery, and weighed 97 kg just two weeks before the event. Arthur confirmed the team has requested a rematch with Strickland for October in Abu Dhabi. The interview explains why Chimaev appeared compromised during the fight, with his body unable to fully recover from the extreme weight cut.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
