“I’m Not Hungry Anymore”- After Huge Weight Cutting Issues in the Past, Khamzat Chimaev Finally Breaks Silence Over His New Weight Class

Published 09/26/2023, 2:45 AM EDT

Khamzat Chimaev, the rising star of the UFC with an unblemished record of 12-0, has been turning heads in the world of mixed martial arts. While most of his fights have ended in one-sided victories, his toughest opponent has proven to be the weight cut. Chimaev’s scheduled bout against Nate Diaz at UFC 279 took an unexpected turn when he missed the required weight by 7.5 pounds. Consequently, the highly anticipated fight was canceled. Chimaev then secured the victory in a catch-weight bout against Kevin Holland at 180 pounds.

UFC CEO Dana White expressed his concerns about Chimaev’s weight miss after the Holland bout. Suggesting that it might be in the fighter’s best interest to move up to the 185-pound middleweight division. In a video posted on his YouTube channel recently, ‘Borz’ shed light on the advantages of his decision to move up a weight class.

Khamzat Chimaev reveals the biggest difference for him at middleweight

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In the video, Chimaev discussed the changes in his diet and overall fighting approach since transitioning to the middleweight division. Despite making his mark in the welterweight division, he believes he is a different fighter in his new weight class. Chimaev explained that his transition to the middleweight division has brought significant changes in terms of power, training, and diet.

Chimaev also mentioned his impressive performance against Gerald Meerschaert in the middleweight class, emphasizing his real power in this division. He expressed confidence that opponents would soon realize the difference in his strength.

He stated, “It’s a different weight class (middleweight), different power. We eat different. I’m not hungry anymore, at 77 kg (welterweight 170 lbs) I eat just rice, rice-fish, rice-chicken. It’s crazy. Now more training than before. More food, more energy, different power, different energy, so that’s good.”

Chimaev is now set to face Paulo Costa at UFC 294 in his new weight class. While Dricus Du Plessis is also vying for a shot at the middleweight title, many analysts like Chael Sonnen believe that a standout performance by either Chimaev or “Borrachinha” could secure them a title opportunity.

Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa has fans excited for the matchup

Chimaev’s return to the 185-pound division marks his first appearance in the weight class since 2020. So far, he has secured two victories in the division under the UFC banner. He is slated to face the fan-favorite Costa, who is coming off a unanimous decision win over Luke Rockhold last year.

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Costa has been targeting a bout with Chimaev after a heated altercation between the two at the UFC Performance Institute in September 2022. Despite both fighters being inactive for over a year, fans eagerly await their clash, speculating whether the fight will indeed take place.

Khamzat Chimaev Takes Joe Rogan’s Advice as Undefeated UFC Star Gears Up for Paulo Costa Fight in Abu Dhabi

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Notably, Paulo Costa has only secured one victory since his loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 253 nearly three years ago. Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev has yet to defeat a ranked middleweight opponent. The outcome of this battle will undoubtedly have significant implications in the highly competitive middleweight division. Do you think Khamzat will perform better than before in his new weight class? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by:

Dushyant Patni is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. He fell in love with MMA at the tender age of fourteen and his appreciation for the craft has led him to become a practitioner, too. With a master's degree in English and an extensive background as a writer and editor, he uses his technical ability to articulate the nuances of the sport.

Edited by:

Yeswanth Praveen

“I’m Not Hungry Anymore”- After Huge Weight Cutting Issues in the Past, Khamzat Chimaev Finally Breaks Silence Over His New Weight Class

Khamzat Chimaev reveals the biggest difference for him at middleweight

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Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa has fans excited for the matchup