Khamzat Chimaev Makes Huge Career Decision After UFC 328 Loss
Khamzat Chimaev told Dana White he's done at middleweight after his UFC 328 loss to Sean Strickland. White confirmed Chimaev is moving up to light heavyweight.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: Khamzat Chimaev of Russia prepares to face Sean Strickland in the UFC middleweight championship fight during the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Zuffa LLC Khamzat Chimaev has had enough of the weight cut to get to 185 pounds. Moments after he lost his UFC middleweight championship to Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328 in New Jersey, Chimaev told UFC President Dana White, "I want to move up.
I don’t want to fight in this weight class anymore. " White obliged and told the media on hand of Chimaev's intentions. It all seems to make sense considering Chimaev's struggles with weight cuts and the way he seemed to tire in the second and third rounds of his loss to Strickland on Saturday.
Key Facts at a Glance Announcement: Chimaev moving to light heavyweight (205 lbs) Source: Dana White at UFC 328 post-fight press conference Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026 UFC 328 Result: Sean Strickland def. Khamzat Chimaev via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) Chimaev's Career Record: 15-1 Reported Weight Cut: ~45-46 lbs to make 185 Title Shot Status: No immediate LHW title shot per Dana White LHW Champion: Carlos Ulberg (out until 2027 with torn ACL) Why Is Khamzat Chimaev Moving To Light Heavyweight? Chimaev is said to have cut upwards of 45 pounds to make it to 185 pounds at the weigh-in on Friday.
He looked worse for wear and some even suggested he cheated to make weight. That's a conspiracy White seemed to downplay at the post-event presser. The cardio fallout was visible from Round 2 forward.
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