Khamzat Chimaev is one of the most polarising characters in the UFC. Initially seen as the next big thing, Chimaev has often frustrated fans and experts with his actions. However, as it turns out, rather than acting on his own accord, Chimaev may have been following orders.
Previously, Khamzat was set to take on Nate Diaz in the UFC 279 headliner. However, the UAE-based fighter missed the welterweight limit by a substantial 7.5 pounds. Moreover, he showed no remorse for his actions, whatsoever, which had many in the MMA community very upset with the fighter. As a result, Chimaev was pulled from the main event and made to fight Kevin Holland on the co-main instead.
DID KHAMZAT JUST CONFIRM THAT THE UFC MADE HIM “MISS WEIGHT” TO SWITCH UP THE DIAZ VS TONY CARD?!?!??!!!!!?!?! pic.twitter.com/6oVeA5gB1B
— The Zodiac (@DeepWat50503285) October 18, 2023
Recently, Khamzat opened up on the matter at the recent UFC 294 media day. Speaking on the embarrassing weight miss, Chimaev said, “Everyone speaks about (why) I didn’t make weight once in my life and there were some plans to do that that way. It’s not my plan, but I can’t say everything here.” Naturally, many were left stunned as to what Chimaev meant by saying that there were plans to intentionally miss weight.
Further, this brings his previous statements under heavy scrutiny as well. Following Chimaev’s weight miss at UFC 279, it was revealed that the 29-year-old missed weight due to ‘serious medical issues’. One of the bigger welterweights, it was always expected that Chimaev would eventually move up to 185 lbs. However, seeing him struggle to make 170 lbs so early on, was very strange.
Was Khamzat Chimaev made to miss weight by the UFC?
Following the events of UFC 279, Chimaev was said to move up to 185 where he was meant to take on Paulo Costa. Unfortunately, a late elbow injury to Costa means that former welterweight champ Kamaru Usman will be stepping in on short notice instead. For the most part, the UFC has been applauded for making the change along with bringing in Alexander Volkanovski to replace Charles Oliveira.
Previously, many applauded them for making quick changes to the UFC 279 card as well. However, as it stands, the last-minute changes made by the UFC now seem to be much more ‘staged’. To put things under further consideration, Daniel Rodriguez vs Kevin Holland was a bout set for a catchweight at 180 lbs. Conveniently, Chimaev then went on to face Holland who was already around the same weight as him.
Ran into Khamzat Chimaev He was hanging out at a restaurant for hours drinking sparkling water and eating the night before weigh ins and now Khamzat misses weight . I was worried all night about this when I saw it.hope the fight still happens tomorrow . #ufc279 pic.twitter.com/CMrFSxxtxO
— Mini Khabib (@Mini_Khabib) September 9, 2022
Interestingly, an MMA fan revealed that she had met Khamzat ahead of the UFC 279 weigh-ins. According to the fan, Chimaev was hanging around a restaurant for hours, having sparkling water and eating a lot of food. As a result, Chimaev faced further backlash for his unprofessional behavior. Thus, this gives further evidence that Chimaev was told, likely by the UFC to intentionally miss weight.
Currently, it is not confirmed as to whether it was a plan by the UFC or Chimaev’s own camp. Judging by the fighter’s demeanor, it appears to be the former rather than the latter. With that said, what could have compelled the UFC to take such a call? Feel free to leave your theories in the comments below.