Khamzat Chimaev’s appearance at the UFC 328 weigh-ins has sparked significant worry among fans. The reigning middleweight champion, set to defend his title against former champion Sean Strickland, looked considerably depleted as he made weight.
The buildup to UFC 328 has been intense, marked by heated exchanges and personal insults between Chimaev and Strickland. While their pre-fight press conference saw a display of aggression, Chimaev’s demeanor at the official weigh-ins on Friday presented a stark contrast. Despite successfully making the 185-pound limit, he appeared severely drained, struggling to conceal the effects of a challenging weight cut.
Arman Tsarukyan, who has been involved in Chimaev’s training camp, disclosed that “Borz” endured a difficult weight cut, reportedly losing nearly 45 pounds during fight week to meet the middleweight division’s requirements.
Fans express concern over Chimaev’s drained look
Images and videos of Chimaev at the weigh-ins quickly circulated on social media, with many users commenting on his unusually exhausted and lifeless appearance. The sight led to widespread speculation about the potential impact of his demanding weight cut on his performance.
Social media reactions highlighted the severity of his condition, with comments such as “He looks like he’s dying” and observations from commentators noting his fatigue and dejection. Some fans even voiced concerns that this could lead to his first professional loss.
Chimaev, who holds an undefeated 9-0 record in the UFC, most recently secured the middleweight title at UFC 319 by defeating Dricus Du Plessis. His previous notable wins include victories over Robert Whittaker, Kamaru Usman, and Gilbert Burns.
