UFC Legend Chael Sonnen Calls Cap on Story of Khamzat Chimaev Cutting 45 Pounds During Fight Week

Before UFC 328, Khamzat Chimaev was widely viewed as the UFC’s most feared and dangerous fighter. However, that aura suffered a major blow following his loss to Sean Strickland. Many believed Chimaev’s underwhelming performance stemmed from external factors, particularly his difficult weight cut. However, UFC legend Chael Sonnen recently explained why he rejects that explanation entirely.

Chimaev entered the bout as champion and a massive -600 betting favourite against Strickland. While he found success early, momentum quickly shifted as the fight progressed. The Chechen phenom struggled with his trademark takedowns and appeared exhausted by the second round itself. Chimaev eventually lost his undefeated record and middleweight title through a split-decision defeat to Strickland.

After the fight, many believed ‘Borz’ lost because of his brutal weight cut before the championship bout. Reports claimed Chimaev dropped nearly 21 kilograms to successfully make the required title-fight limit. The former champion also appeared visibly drained and weak during the official weigh-ins before the event. However, Sonnen believes that the explanation is completely baseless and lacks credibility.

Told he cut 46 pounds the week of a fight. I gotta tell you, it’s not the statement, it’s that somebody in our industry would believe the statement that makes my blood boil.

Chael Sonnen via his YouTube channel

😳❓Chael Sonnen says Khamzat Chimaev’s weight cut story makes NO sense:

“Told he cut 46 pounds the week of a fight… It’s not the statement, it’s that somebody in our industry would believe the statement that makes my blood boil”

🎥 @ChaelSonnen pic.twitter.com/EsEmlL0pLZ

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) May 13, 2026

Interestingly, Chimaev visibly struggled with his weight throughout UFC 328 fight week. His teammate, Arman Tsarukyan, revealed that Chimaev cut nearly 21 kilograms within a short period. He admitted that such a reduction was unhealthy for any fighter.

His brother, Artur Chimaev, later claimed Khamzat originally planned a light heavyweight debut before the UFC booked him against Strickland at middleweight.

Sonnen has long discussed Chimaev and the direction of his UFC career. Following the Chechen star’s controversial performance against Gilbert Burns at UFC 273, Sonnen questioned his aggressive fighting style. The UFC legend argued that such a reckless approach was unsustainable over a long career. Sonnen was also among the first analysts to suggest Chimaev belonged at middleweight instead of welterweight.

With years of UFC experience, Chael Sonnen remains one of the promotion’s most respected voices and iconic trash talkers. His latest comments again focused attention on Khamzat Chimaev and his future after losing the middleweight title. ‘Borz’ is reportedly considering a move to 205 pounds. However, his team recently revealed that the Chechen phenom still wants a rematch against Sean Strickland around October.

Chael Sonnen weighs in on UFC superstar’s potential International Fight Week return

Conor McGregor‘s return during International Fight Week has remained one of MMA’s biggest discussion topics recently. While Michael Chandler was initially considered due to their failed bout at UFC 303, names like Carlos Prates were also reportedly discussed for the comeback bout. However, one consistent option is Max Holloway because of their shared history and current career trajectories.

Recent training footage shows McGregor looking significantly bulkier than during his last UFC appearance at UFC 264 in 2021. The Irish superstar has also discussed returning at the welterweight limit for his comeback fight. Chael Sonnen recently weighed those factors while discussing McGregor’s return plans. Sonnen also examined several possible opponents for the former two-division UFC champion.

I would have given a good look to Prates, but the ultimate opponent is Michael Chandler, and the calendar doesn’t work out. I don’t think the UFC will ever be in a spot of desperation where they will find a 155-pounder to do a 170-pounder’s job. I am stronger on the idea that he does not fight Max (Holloway) on July 11th. If Conor was offered Max, Conor would take the fight. His return won’t be below 170, but the opponent he is leaving completely up to the organization.

Chael Sonnen via The Ariel Helwani Show

Chael Sonnen is asked who he would book Conor McGregor against at IFW.#HelwaniShow pic.twitter.com/DPmo5RBk8h

— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) May 4, 2026

Plans for Conor McGregor’s return at UFC 329 remain uncertain due to his repeated comeback delays and missed timelines. ‘The Notorious One’ has frequently teased returns before remaining sidelined from competition. However, this situation appears more realistic because of McGregor’s recent training footage and activity. Several factors now suggest that his long-awaited UFC comeback could finally materialize.

Also Read:

• Sean Strickland Rematch Targeted by Team Khamzat Chimaev After UFC 328 Weight Cut Mishap
• Nate Diaz Has Options in Conor McGregor and Charles Oliveira After Netflix Fight Against Mike Perry