TJ Dillashaw revealed details of Khamzat Chimaev's difficult weight cut before his fight with Sean Strickland. According to Sam Calavitta, Chimaev's team brought in a different specialist for the final phase, leading to improper water intake—he drank only one-quarter of the required amount. Chimaev vomited green bile and was on the verge of death during the cut. The situation was complicated by the fact that Chimaev has only half of his thyroid gland, which slows his metabolism significantly. Despite the ordeal, Chimaev entered the cage 16 pounds over the limit during fight week but still competed.
Former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw has shed light on the harrowing weight cut Khamzat Chimaev endured ahead of his middleweight bout against Sean Strickland, revealing details that paint a deeply alarming picture of what the fighter went through before entering the cage.
Dillashaw, citing information from coach Sam Calavitta, explained that Chimaev's team made a late change during the final phase of the cut, bringing in a different specialist. That decision led to a critical error in hydration management — Chimaev consumed only one-quarter of the water he was supposed to take in. The consequences were severe. According to Dillashaw's account, Chimaev vomited green bile and was described as being on the verge of death. A further complicating factor is that Chimaev has only half of his thyroid gland, a condition that meaningfully slows his metabolism and makes weight management significantly more difficult than it would be for most fighters.
Despite all of this, Chimaev still competed. He came in 16 pounds over the limit during fight week, yet stepped into the cage regardless.
The number-one ranked middleweight contender and number-10 pound-for-pound fighter carries a 15-1 record and is one of the division's most physically imposing forces. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, the 30-two-year-old Allstars Training Center product averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 60 percent — among the highest in the sport.
He faced champion Sean Strickland, who holds a 31-7 record and defends the middleweight title out of Xtreme Couture. The 35-year-old American stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and ranks among the UFC's most active strikers, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- The disclosed medical details raise serious questions about fighter safety protocols during extreme weight cuts
- Chimaev's thyroid condition adds a layer of complexity to his ability to compete at middleweight long-term
- The account, sourced through Dillashaw and Calavitta, has not been officially confirmed by Chimaev's camp or the UFC
