Arman Tsarukyan, who assisted Khamzat Chimaev during his UFC 328 title defense against Sean Strickland, shared insights into Chimaev's challenges with weight cutting. Despite dominating the early stages of the fight, Chimaev lost via split decision, marking his first career defeat. Tsarukyan noted that the weight cut significantly impacted Chimaev’s performance, particularly as he was on the verge of hitting the championship limit. After the fight, Chimaev expressed a desire to move up in weight, indicating the toll the cut took on him.

By the Numbers
  • Chimaev experienced his first career loss, dropping to a 16-fight record.
  • He reportedly struggled to cut from about 189 pounds to the 185-pound limit, with challenges surfacing just a pound before weighing in.
State of Play
  • Chimaev's recent defeat has sparked criticism regarding his weight management and overall training regimen.
  • Tsarukyan remains an active contender in the lightweight division, preparing for potential fights while awaiting the results of an upcoming title match.
What's Next

Looking ahead, Tsarukyan is in position to fight the winner of the June 14 lightweight title bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. His own comeback to the Octagon could occur as soon as September, depending on when the UFC makes a decision. Meanwhile, he continues competing actively in other wrestling events.

Bottom Line

The main takeaway is that both Chimaev and Tsarukyan face pivotal moments in their careers: Chimaev must adapt his weight management strategies to prevent future issues, while Tsarukyan seeks a title shot following his impressive win streak. Both fighters are navigating the volatile landscape of the UFC, where perceptions can shift dramatically based on fight outcomes.