Khamzat Chimaev has no intention of moving up to light heavyweight, despite the weight-cutting issues that surrounded his most recent UFC title fight.
Speaking to the media at a scrum ahead of this weekend’s Real American Freestyle wrestling event in Moscow, the former middleweight champion made it clear that he plans to remain at 185 pounds.
“Until I break everyone at 185 I’m not leaving this weight class,” Chimaev said.
Chimaev’s comments come after his well-publicized difficulties making the middleweight limit ahead of his title loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in May.
The Chechen-born fighter acknowledged that the weight cut did not go according to plan but dismissed the idea that it would prompt him to change divisions.
“There was a mistake with the weight cut. Mistakes can always happen. Things can’t always be perfect…we’re only human,” Chimaev said.
Chimaev also indicated that he does not want to dwell on the circumstances surrounding the setback, including the weight cut and injuries.
“I’m not a siant who never makes mistakes. I don’t want to talk about these things…the weight cut, injuries…that’s not for me. We’ll be back soon.”
