Khamzat Chimaev could shake up light heavyweight division, says longtime UFC veteran: “I see him sparring with heavyweights all the time”

By Fernando Quiles Jr.

Released
October 11, 2026, 3:12 pm PDT

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One light-weight veteran thinks that Khamzat Chimaev can make a huge splash in the 205-pound department and potentially beyond.

Chimaev lost the UFC middleweight gold to Sean Strickland back in May in a competitive five-rounder. UFC CEO Dana White declared that Chimaev informed him he’s done with the 185-pound weight class.”Borz “rapidly altered his tune and pounded the table for a rematch with Strickland. It appears Chimaev has actually proceeded from the Strickland defend now, leaving some to question if the previous middleweight champ must simply go up.

Talking to Helen YeeBeneil Dariush shared his belief that Chimaev would not deal with lots of problems in the light heavyweight department (through Bloody Elbow.

“I believe, clearly, he was grumbling about the weight cut. And I believe at 205, he would do extremely well, too. Like, who in the 205 department is going to actually provide him a tough time? “He’s going to be simply as huge. He’s not going to have a concern with size. He’s going to have much better cardio since his weight cut’s not going to be unpleasant. “He had the ’85 title, he can get the 205 title, and I understand he’s going for 3 belts,” Dariush continued. “You understand, in the future, he might be a heavyweight. I see him sparring with heavyweights all the time.”

Chimaev’s next bout hasn’t been figured out, however Strickland is presently at chances with UFC management over fighter pay. “Borz” might wish to watch on that circumstance, as it might leave the door open for him to solve back in the title photo if things continue to go south. At the minute, Nassourdine Imavov is the basic agreement No. 1 competitor at 185 pounds.

Do you believe Khamzat Chimaev’s next battle should be objected to at middleweight or light heavyweight? Share your viewpoint in the remarks listed below.

This short article appeared initially on BJPENN.COM