In the world of UFC, few things get fans buzzing quite like a weigh-in drama—and UFC 328 just delivered a doozy. At the center of it all is Khamzat Chimaev, the reigning middleweight champion, who officially hit 185 pounds early Friday morning (May 8, 2026) ahead of his highly anticipated grudge match against Sean Strickland. But according to one outspoken UFC fighter, not everything was as it seemed on the scale.
The stage is set for an explosive night this Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The main event features Chimaev and Strickland—former training partners turned bitter rivals—finally settling their score. Adding to the excitement is a co-main event flyweight title fight between champion Joshua Van and contender Tatsuro Taira, plus a deep undercard that promises nonstop action.
Making weight is always a critical hurdle, and both fighters knew the stakes. Strickland stepped on the scale without issue, looking sharp and ready. But all eyes were on Chimaev, who was the last fighter from the card to weigh in. Reports had surfaced that the middleweight champ needed to cut a staggering 46 pounds for his first official title defense, leaving fans holding their breath as he approached the scale. Despite appearing visibly drained, Chimaev hit the 185-pound mark—officially approved by the New Jersey State Athletic Commission. Case closed, right? Not exactly.
Enter Bryce Mitchell, the outspoken UFC veteran known for his unfiltered takes. "Thug Nasty" took to social media with a bombshell claim: he believes Chimaev never actually made weight, and that the scales were rigged to help the champion. "That dude didn't make that weight," Mitchell said. "There's no convincing me, bro… it's all bullsh*t. Khamzat gets special treatment… he didn't make that weight, and I think Sean's getting set up." Mitchell's comments have ignited a firestorm of debate among fans and analysts alike.
Whether you agree with Mitchell or not, one thing is certain: the tension for UFC 328 just went up a notch. With Strickland already in peak form and Chimaev fighting through a grueling weight cut, this weekend's clash has all the ingredients for a classic. Gear up for fight night, and don't miss a moment of the action.