Dariush: Chimaev Could Thrive At Light Heavyweight

Beneil Dariush believes Khamzat Chimaev can make an impact at 205 pounds and possibly beyond.

Chimaev lost the UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland in a competitive five-rounder in May. Dana White said Chimaev told him he was done with 185, but Chimaev quickly demanded a Strickland rematch.

Chimaev now appears to have moved on from that fight, prompting talk of a move up. Dariush said the weight cut is the main issue and that Chimaev would be better off without it.

“I think, obviously, he was complaining about the weight cut. And I think at 205, he would do super well, too. Like, who in the 205 division is going to really give him a hard time? He’s going to be just as big. He’s not going to have an issue with size. He’s going to have better cardio because his weight cut’s not going to be miserable. He had the ‘85 title, he can get the 205 title, and I know he’s aiming for three belts. You know, in the future, he could be a heavyweight. I see him sparring with heavyweights all the time,” Dariush