In a revelation that sheds new light on Khamzat Chimaev's first professional defeat, the former middleweight champion's brother has detailed severe weight cut issues that plagued the fighter ahead of UFC 328. Chimaev, who entered the octagon with a pristine 15-0 record, ultimately fell to Sean Strickland via split decision—a result that stunned the MMA world.

According to Artur Chimaev, the troubles began long before the first punch was thrown. "There was an issue with the weight cut," Artur told SportsRu. "The question became whether to cancel the fight or take the risk. When there was 1.2 kg [2.7 pounds] left, his body shut down." The grueling process left even the notoriously durable Khamzat questioning his ability to compete. "Khamzat also said he didn't know how he could fight in that state," Artur added.

What makes the situation even more intriguing is the context of Chimaev's original fight plans. Artur claims the UFC had promised his brother a light heavyweight bout against Jiri Prochazka—a matchup that would have allowed Chimaev to compete at 205 pounds, a weight class he had long hinted at moving up to. "There was an agreement with the UFC that he would fight Jiri Prochazka [at 205]. The contract was already prepared," Artur revealed. However, the promotion reportedly changed course, contacting Chimaev directly and requesting he face Strickland instead—at middleweight.

True to his reputation as a fighter who never backs down, Chimaev accepted the challenge despite having to cut from a staggering 231 pounds down to the 185-pound middleweight limit. The toll became visible during fight week, with Chimaev appearing completely drained at the weigh-ins and even facing accusations of missing weight. In the octagon, the effects were unmistakable: after a strong first round, Chimaev showed signs of fatigue early in the second, abandoning his trademark wrestling and allowing Strickland to outpoint him on the feet.

"In the second round it became clear that his body hadn't recovered," Artur explained. Yet, despite the revelations, he was careful not to diminish Strickland's victory. "What's happened has happened, and nothing can be done about it. I don't want it to look like we're making excuses."

For fans and fighters alike, this serves as a stark reminder of the brutal realities of weight cutting in combat sports—and the incredible risks athletes take to compete at the highest level. As Chimaev looks to rebound from his first loss, the question remains whether we'll see him finally make the move to light heavyweight, where the weight cut challenges would be significantly less severe.