Khamzat Chimaev’s appearance at the UFC 328 weigh-ins for his middleweight title defense against Sean Strickland has drawn significant attention and concern from fans. Despite successfully making the 185-pound limit, Chimaev appeared severely depleted and struggled to conceal the effects of what is reported to have been a grueling weight cut.
The build-up to UFC 328 has been marked by intense verbal exchanges and personal jabs between Chimaev and former champion Sean Strickland. This animosity culminated in a heated press conference and a physical altercation during their faceoff, where Chimaev kicked Strickland.
However, the energy seen during their confrontational moments was notably absent at the official weigh-ins. Chimaev, who was the last fighter to step onto the scales, looked visibly worn out. His drained demeanor immediately led to widespread speculation on social media about the toll the extreme weight cut might have taken on him, with some fans predicting it could negatively impact his performance and potentially lead to his first professional loss.
Arman Tsarukyan, who has been involved in Chimaev’s training camp, revealed that “Borz” had to lose approximately 45 pounds during fight week to make the middleweight division’s limit. This significant weight loss has fueled the fan’s worries about Chimaev’s physical condition heading into the championship bout.
Social media platforms were flooded with comments from concerned fans, with many expressing shock at Chimaev’s gaunt appearance. Remarks ranged from “He looks like he’s dying” to observations about his fatigue and dejected state. The stark contrast between his usual aggressive persona and his lifeless look at the weigh-ins has become a major talking point among MMA enthusiasts.
Khamzat Chimaev currently holds an undefeated record of 9-0 in the UFC, with notable wins against Robert Whittaker, Kamaru Usman, and Gilbert Burns. He secured the middleweight championship at UFC 319 in August 2025, defeating Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision.
