Chael Sonnen Says Khamzat Chimaev’s 46-Pound Weight Cut Story Makes No Sense

Chael Sonnen and Khamzat Chimaev (Photo by Imagn Images)

Chael Sonnen Says Khamzat Chimaev’s 46-Pound Weight Cut Story Makes No Sense

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated May 13, 2026 3:41 PM ET

Arman Tsarukyan said that Khamzat Chimaev had to cut 21 kilos before the fight. During the weigh-ins, fans also saw the 32-year-old wobbling, and everyone thought Chimaev had missed weight. Meanwhile, regarding his weight cut, Chael Sonnen addressed the Chechen fighter’s brutal weight-cut story.

Chimaev’s brother revealed that ‘Borz’ cut 46 pounds, and the 32-year-old’s body collapsed during the process. Meanwhile, Sonnen was skeptical about the story surrounding the former middleweight champion’s reported weight cut before UFC 328. In a recent video, the UFC veteran said:

“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.”

❓Chael Sonnen says Khamzat Chimaev’s weight cut story makes NO sense:

“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”

@ChaelSonnen pic.twitter.com/EsEmlL0pLZ
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) May 13, 2026

It was Chimaev’s team that revealed the number and said the recovery was not on point, leaving him badly depleted. Now Sonnen said he did not believe that number was realistic. Many also believed that “Borz” would now move to light heavyweight.

Dana White Says Khamzat Chimaev Wants To Move To Light Heavyweight

According to Dana White, this was the last fight of Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight. He lost to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 via split decision, and many fans believed Chimaev’s brutal weight cut played a major role, as he appeared severely drained during the weigh-ins. During post-fight interviews, the UFC boss said:

“He literally walked up to me after the fight and said I wanna move up, I don’t wanna fight in this weight class anymore.”

BREAKING: Dana White reveals that Khamzat Chimaev walked up to him after the fight and told him he wants to move up!

"He literally walked up to me after the fight and said I wanna move up, I don't wanna fight in this weight class anymore."

via: @ufc pic.twitter.com/CBqmf22znn
— MMA Pros Pick (@MMA_PROS_PICK_) May 10, 2026

White revealed that the 32-year-old immediately told him he no longer wanted to compete at 185 pounds. Now, fans would wait to see whether the Chechen fighter could maintain his dominance at light heavyweight if he moved there. Only time would tell.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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