UFC 328 is a major event for Khamzat Chimaev as he makes his first title defense since winning UFC 319. He faces Sean Strickland, a former teammate who is now an arch-rival.
Their shared history adds intensity to an already high-stakes matchup. UFC lightweight contender and Chimaev's teammate, Arman Tsarukyan, noted the Chechen champion's weight struggles during preparation for this fight.
Chimaev and Tsarukyan first met on a Russian TUF-style TV show in 2024. After that, both fighters began training together after Tsarukyan approached Chimaev to improve his wrestling for UFC 311 against Islam Makhachev. The preparation partnership evolved into regular training sessions focused on grappling and cage control. However, the Armenian superstar later withdrew from the bout due to a back injury.
Their relationship has developed into a brother-like bond over time, marked by strong trust and consistency. Both fighters have become major parts of each other's training camps, regularly helping. Tsarukyan has worked closely with Chimaev at Santo Studios ahead of UFC 328. He also recently highlighted that the Chechen champion will be cutting a major amount of weight to make the fight limit.
He cuts alot of weight, it's not easy for anyone, even after your cutting three kilograms and Khamzat is cutting 21 kilograms. Twenty one kilograms is a big number.
Khamzat Chimaev via Adam ZubayraevChimaev previously missed weight by 7.5 pounds ahead of UFC 279, forcing a major card reshuffle and changing multiple fights on short notice. His extreme weight-cut issues were also a factor in discussions about UFC Saudi Arabia, where he was set to take on Robert Whittaker. However, the fight was ultimately scrapped amid concerns about his ability to make weight safely, and he was replaced by Ikram Aliskerov.
Chimaev's UFC 328 training schedule has followed a split-camp approach across multiple elite facilities. He has been alternating sessions at the newly established Santo Studio, where he trains alongside top UFC contender Khalil Rountree Jr and other high-level sparring partners. Alongside that work, 'Borz' has been developing his conditioning under Sam Calavitta at Treigning Labs in Southern California.
Arman Tsarukyan has played an important role in Chimaev's corner, contributing to preparation and strategy for UFC 328. He has remained closely involved in camp. His earlier advice at UFC 319 encouraged a wrestling-heavy approach that produced a dominant unanimous decision win. Their continued collaboration remains a key factor in Khamzat Chimaev's development heading into UFC 328.
Daniel Cormier's weight-cut history has been a recurring topic throughout his UFC career and analyst work. 'Towel gate' at UFC 210 remains his most controversial weigh-in moment. The incident raised concerns about weigh-in procedures and the use of extreme cutting methods in championship fights. He recently also commented on Khamzat Chimaev's UFC 328 weigh-in struggles.
Cormier has consistently supported Khamzat Chimaev throughout his UFC career, praising his elite wrestling and dominance. As a former Olympic wrestler, Cormier has often highlighted Chimaev's control-based fighting style. However, during UFC 328 weigh-in coverage, he noted on commentary that Chimaev looked visibly weak and drained ahead of his inaugural middleweight title defense.
He looks pretty dejected, man. He's hurting. He's miserable. He looks so skinny.
Daniel Cormier via UFCDaniel Cormier and Khamzat Chimaev share a friendly relationship built on mutual respect and wrestling backgrounds. They have had lighthearted moments during UFC interactions. One notable instance was Chimaev jokingly picking up Cormier during a friendly wrestling exchange.
Despite professional analysis around weight issues, their personal bond remains positive and respectful. Nevertheless, many fighters look awful on the scale only to perform very well on fight night. It is part of the MMA lore.
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