Chimaev Nearly Died Cutting 50 Pounds for UFC 328, Ex-Champ Says
Updated
Updated · MMA Mania · May 27
Chimaev Nearly Died Cutting 50 Pounds for UFC 328, Ex-Champ Says
3 articles · Updated · MMA Mania · May 27
Khamzat Chimaev was "on the verge of death" before his UFC 328 title defense, TJ Dillashaw said, describing a weight cut so severe Chimaev considered paying Sean Strickland $1 million to cancel.
Nearly 50 pounds over the 185-pound middleweight limit at the start of camp, Chimaev was also managing a half-thyroid condition that Dillashaw said made the cut far more dangerous.
Dillashaw blamed a weight-cutting "fraud" for the process, saying Chimaev was vomiting green bile and should not have reached fight night despite lasting into the late rounds.
The episode has reignited questions about Chimaev's division after the 32-year-old first said he would move to light heavyweight following his split-decision loss, then quickly demanded a rematch.
Michael Bisping said Chimaev needs to enter his next camp much lighter and cut little or no weight, though Chimaev previously also missed weight at 170 pounds.
Who is the mystery 'fraud' blamed for Khamzat Chimaev's near-fatal weight cut before his title fight?
Chimaev's near-death ordeal exposes a dark secret. Is it finally time to ban MMA's most dangerous practice?