UFC analyst Chael Sonnen has weighed in on Khamzat Chimaev’s viral weight-cut story. Contrary to popular expectations for Chimaev’s 205-Ib move, Chimaev engaged in a 185-Ib fight against Sean Strickland at UFC 328. Strickland ousted the Russian and stripped him of his middleweight title after one of the most intense pre-fight feuds in recent UFC history.
Following the loss, Chimaev’s brother, Arthur, has blamed medical and administrative reasons for the loss. Fairly to him, many fans and professionals described Chimaev’s demeanor on fight day as uncharacteristically unhealthy and unimposing. However, Sonnen doesn’t want to have any of Arthur’s medical and administrative excuses for Chimaev.
Why popular UFC analyst rejects Arthur Chimaev’s weight-cut story after brother’s UFC 328 loss
Arthur claims the UFC’s choice to change Chimaev’s opponent and weight class may have influenced his loss to Strickland. He also claimed that Khamzat made sudden weight cuts from 231 to 185 Ib that affected his medical readiness. Khamzat’s brother also claimed the fighter’s body collapsed during the weight-cut process, forcefully interrupting the schedule for an hour. However, according to a video from Sonnen’s official X handle, the argument holds no water.
“Told he cut 46 pounds the week of a fight… it’s not the statement, it’s that somebody in our industry would believe the statement that makes my blood boil.”
Sonnen thinks the claim that Khamzat made within one week is not pragmatic. However, chances are higher that the athlete truly cut weight, but over a longer period. Yet, many fans argue the athlete had enough time to prepare for the fight, which the UFC announced months earlier.
The potential health impacts of weight-cut sessions are no secret. The intense process tests the athlete’s endurance and strength levels, and could impair their readiness on fight day if mismanaged. Arthur’s excuse seeks to tow this narrative. However, Sonnen’s argument is also worth hearing, especially against suggestions that Khamzat lost 46 pounds in one week.
Meanwhile, contrary to reports that Chimaev wants to move up the weight class, ESPN’s Okamoto claims the fighter only wants a rematch with Strickland. Whether or not Arthur’s weight-cut stories are true, it appears his camp would rather rewrite the story inside the Octagon.
