Khamzat Chimaev's Coach Says Late Opponent Switch Forced Tough Weight Cut

Khamzat Chimaev was bulking for a planned light‑heavyweight bout at 205 lb against Jiri Prochazka when the UFC redirected him to defend his middleweight title at 185 lb against Sean Strickland. Coach Murad Bichuev explained that the sudden change left Chimaev with insufficient time to cut weight, contributing to conditioning problems that affected his performance at UFC 328 on May 9, where he lost the middleweight belt to Strickland.

Bichuev said the weight‑cut issue stemmed from the shift in focus from gaining muscle for a higher‑weight fight to a rapid drop back to middleweight. After the loss, Chimaev has publicly called for a rematch with Strickland, while UFC president Dana White noted the fighter remains interested in moving up in weight.