Rumors suggest Khamzat Chimaev could be making another weight switch.
The UFC middleweight champion moved up to his current division after missing the welterweight limit on the scale in 2022. After wins over Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker, Chimaev successfully challenged Dricus du Plessis last August.
‘Borz’ has yet to make a defense of the title at 185 pounds, but recent speculation has suggested that he may depart the division in pursuit of multi-weight glory instead.
And those rumors have only increased after a new image revealed Chimaev’s current size.
Is there anyone who can beat Khamzat Chimaev?
The UFC middleweight champion has looked unstoppable throughout his 15-0 MMA career.
Khamzat Chimaev’s current physique convinces fans his time at middleweight is over
Chimaev has not competed in six months. During his time away from the Octagon, he appears to have put on some size.
The reigning UFC middleweight king recently raised eyebrows after posting a new image of his current physical condition, having recently started a camp ahead of his return to action.
Plenty of fans have been speculating about a move up to light heavyweight amid rumors Chimaev could challenge for that title if Alex Pereira vacates to move up again himself.
The new image did little to convince fans that ‘Borz’ will be entering the Octagon as a middleweight next time out.
A number of online users are now convinced that the Chechen star is preparing to debut at 205 pounds.
“That’s a LHW build.”
“LHW incoming.”
“He’s gonna eat up to 205 and try to force his way into a title shot?”
“Never fighting at MW again is he?”
“It really looks like he’s at 205.”
“(Alright), maybe he’s not defending his belt at middleweight.”
“He’s ready for 205.”
Khamzat Chimaev has to convince Dana White first
Before Chimaev gets the chance to achieve his ambitions of two-division supremacy in the UFC, he seemingly needs to get over a sizable hurdle first.
Dana White shut down Chimaev’s plan during his press conference after last Saturday’s event in Houston.
The UFC president suggested that ‘Borz’ should be defending his title at 185 pounds before looking at gold in the division above.
With that in mind, a showdown against either Nassourdine Imavov or Sean Strickland could lie in Chimaev’s immediate future if he fails to convince the UFC about an immediate move up.
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