UFC President Dana White had informed the media that they were aware of Khamzat Chimaev’s weight issues ahead of the UFC 279 weigh-ins. The veteran promoter had further added that it was the doctors that stopped the Swedish fighter from cutting weight. Even Chimaev sang the same tune in his post-fight Octagon interview with Joe Rogan.

While the fight fans had many crazy theories surrounding Chimaev’s weight, both White and the Russia-born athlete’s statement shut all these down. But now a statement from his coach has sparked further conversations.

Khamzat Chimaev’s coach gave a statement on his pupil’s weight miss

ESPN MMA reporter Brett Okamoto shared comments from Chimaev’s coach Andreas Michael on the UFC 279 weight fiasco.

Okamoto wrote, “[Andreas Michael] described everything that happened during weight cut. Said it was his decision to stop the cut, not physicians.”

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The MMA reporter further added, “Michael wanted to make this distinction: it was his decision, under the advice of physicians.”

According to Okamoto, the coach hinted at a move to middleweight for the Swedish athlete.

Khamzat Chimaev, UFC 279 weigh-ins, and Joe Rogan asking the hard questions

UFC 279 had one of the most notable weigh-ins in promotions history for a long time. All eyes were on Khamzat Chimaev after the reports of him struggling with weight were out. However, the Chechen stunned the fight fans as he walked with a smile on his face during the weigh-ins, which led many to believe he was on point with the scale.

178.5 lbs – Chimaev missed weight by a significant margin. Yet ‘Borz’ had a big smile on his face and did not appear dehydrated, but cheerful.

Why Did Dana White Have to Convince Khamzat Chimaev to Not Retire?

While fans criticized the young fighter for his unapologetic attitude after the weigh-ins, Dana White took a rather calm approach. UFC President stated the doctors stopped Chimaev from cutting weight.

After Chimaev’s win at UFC 279, Joe Rogan asked the tough question to ‘The Wolf‘ about his bad weight cut. Though the Chechen initially wanted to skip the question, Rogan got an answer from him with a follow-up question about his welterweight title opportunity being questioned after such a massive weight miss.

Fans were furious after the coach’s startling revelation

Khamzat Chimaev has an incredible fan base because of his constant dominant performances inside the Octagon. However, the weigh-ins changed it to some degree, and it was clear in his walkout as fans booed him to the Octagon.

That said, his resounding performance got the fans behind him.

But after his coach’s revelation, the fans were again berating both the UFC President and the Russia-born athlete.

Meanwhile, many were interested in his move to the middleweight division. Also, fans had Paulo Costa as the clear pick for Chimaev’s next bout.

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What do you make of the coach’s words? Who should Chimaev fight in the middleweight division? Share your views in the comments.