Khamzat Chimaev coach explains weight cut issues before Sean Strickland loss

Khamzat Chimaev's coach has shed light on the weight-cut struggles that plagued the fighter ahead of his shocking middleweight title loss to Sean Strickland in May. Chimaev (15–1) appeared visibly drained in the second round, abandoning his wrestling to battle on the feet—where Strickland outworked him across the fight.

Head coach Murad Bichuev revealed the source of the problem: Chimaev had been bulking up to face light heavyweight contender Jiří Procházka when the UFC abruptly changed course and ordered him to defend his middleweight title against Strickland instead. With minimal time to adjust his physique back down to 185 pounds, the team faced unexpected complications. "The weight cut was an issue because he was initially set to face Procházka at 205," Bichuev told Red Corner MMA. "So, we were mostly focusing on his physique. He started gaining muscle. He was gaining weight more than before. And then they said, 'No, we're leaving this option aside; you have to fight Strickland at 185.' That's why we didn't have much time and we faced more problems than we expected."

Following the loss, UFC president Dana White noted Chimaev's determination to move up in weight. However, the Chechen-born fighter has since pivoted his focus toward securing a rematch with Strickland, repeatedly calling out the American on social media as he pursues his comeback.