Khamzat Chimaev nearly lost consciousness, gained only 5-6kg after weigh-ins

Arthur Chimaev provided detailed insight into his brother Khamzat's troubled weight cut for UFC 328 in an interview with Vadim Tikhomirov. When 1.2 kg remained, Khamzat's body shut down due to oxygen deprivation, requiring hour-long breaks before resuming. Khamzat questioned whether he could compete in such condition, and the second round proved his body hadn't recovered. The drastic cut from 105 kg to 84 kg was necessary because UFC initially offered a fight with Jiri Prochazka at 205 lbs with a signed contract, then personally asked Khamzat to face Strickland instead at 185 lbs. Khamzat nearly lost consciousness during the cut. He only regained 5-6 kg before fight time, having weighed 97 kg two weeks prior and 105 kg around March 13th. The team has requested a Strickland rematch for October in Abu Dhabi.