Arman Tsarukyan has shed light on the intense and challenging weight cut undertaken by Khamzat Chimaev in preparation for UFC 328. Chimaev recently lost a close split decision to Sean Strickland for the middleweight title. During the bout, Chimaev notably opted for a striking-focused approach rather than his characteristic wrestling. Many observers noted Chimaev appeared physically depleted, a common sign of a difficult weight management process.
Speaking on the JAXXON Podcast, Tsarukyan disclosed that Chimaev lost a total of 40 pounds for the UFC 328 fight. The most arduous part of this was the final day, where he had to shed nearly 13 pounds. Tsarukyan explained that while the initial 9-pound reduction was manageable, the subsequent 4 pounds proved to be a significant struggle, with Chimaev expressing reluctance to continue the cut. However, his team ultimately convinced him to meet the required weight limit.
Tsarukyan recounted, “From day 1 of his training camp, he cut 40lbs. He had to cut 13lbs on the last day. The first 9lbs was easy and he felt bad during the night, and then he woke up and said, ‘I feel so weak and have no energy. I don’t know how I’m gonna cut this 4lbs.’ He didn’t wanna finish the cut, but the team pushed him.”
Arman Tsarukyan’s Perspective on the Fight
Despite the severe weight cut, Tsarukyan mentioned that Chimaev felt better the following morning. However, he believes the effects of the weight cut became evident during the fight, leading to Chimaev tiring in the first round and subsequently engaging in a striking battle with Sean Strickland. Tsarukyan and his camp had anticipated Chimaev, who was reportedly performing exceptionally in training, to maintain a high pace for all five rounds.
Tsarukyan concluded by stating that in a closely contested fight, the champion should typically retain their belt. Based on his analysis, Tsarukyan believes Chimaev actually defeated Strickland.
English Translation:
Arman Tsarukyan Shares Shocking Details of Khamzat Chimaev’s Brutal Cut
Arman Tsarukyan has provided further insight into Khamzat Chimaev’s severe weight cut ahead of UFC 328. Last weekend at UFC 328, Chimaev lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland via split decision. The fight was closely contested, with Chimaev choosing to stand and trade rather than employing his usual wrestling-heavy style.
Many fans also observed from the 32-year-old’s body language that he looked extremely drained, likely due to a tough weight cut.
Now, Arman Tsarukyan has discussed how brutal the Chechen-born Emirati’s weight cut truly was. On the JAXXON Podcast, “Ahalkalakets” revealed that Khamzat Chimaev cut 40 pounds in total for UFC 328, but on the last day, he had to cut nearly 13 pounds. According to the Armenian, the first phase of the weight cut, where Chimaev dropped 9 pounds, was easy. However, after that, the last 4 pounds were a nightmare, and “Borz” did not want to cut further weight. Nevertheless, his team ultimately urged him to reach the required limit. Tsarukyan said:
“From day 1 of his training camp, he cut 40lbs. He had to cut 13lbs on the last day. The first 9lbs was easy and he felt bad during the night, and then he woke up and said, ‘I feel so weak and have no energy. I don’t know how I’m gonna cut this 4lbs.’ He didn’t wanna finish the cut, but the team pushed him.”
Arman Tsarukyan believes Khamzat Chimaev beat Sean Strickland at UFC 328. After the brutal weight cut, as per Arman Tsarukyan, Khamzat Chimaev felt good the next morning, but during the fight, he gassed out in Round 1 and then chose to strike with Sean Strickland.
Tsarukyan and the camp expected that “Borz,” who was going all out during training sessions, could do the same during his title fight and could go hard for five rounds against “Tarzan.” However, the Armenian believes it’s most likely the weight cut that forced Chimaev to change his approach.
Lastly, “Ahalkalakets” added during the same interview posted above that in a close fight, a champion should retain his belt, and according to his analysis, Chimaev beat Strickland.
