In a revealing conversation ahead of UFC 328, top-ranked lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan shared some impressive details about the physical preparation of middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev. Tsarukyan, who holds the number two spot in the UFC's 155-pound division and represents both Armenia and Russia, spoke about the grueling weight cut Chimaev endured for his upcoming title defense.
According to Tsarukyan, who discussed the matter in a video for the adam zubayraev YouTube channel, Chimaev managed to shed nearly 21 kilograms in preparation for the event. This is an enormous amount of weight for any athlete to cut, and Tsarukyan emphasized the difficulty of the process, noting that even a cut of three kilograms presents a significant challenge for fighters.
Despite the massive weight reduction, Tsarukyan reported that Chimaev appeared to be in excellent condition. The lightweight contender stated that the champion's weight was coming off well and that he seemed to be handling the demanding process effectively. This level of preparation is crucial for a fighter competing at the highest level of mixed martial arts.
The UFC 328 event is scheduled to take place on the night of May 9th to 10th in Newark, New Jersey. The main event will feature Chimaev putting his middleweight title on the line against former champion Sean Strickland. This championship bout represents a significant moment in the middleweight division.
Chimaev enters this contest following a dominant performance in his last outing, where he captured the title by defeating South African athlete Dricus du Plessis via unanimous decision. That victory showcased Chimaev's well-rounded skill set and cemented his status as the division's top fighter.
His opponent, Sean Strickland, also comes into this fight with momentum. Strickland secured his position as the top contender by knocking out Anthony Hernandez in his most recent appearance. This knockout victory demonstrated Strickland's striking power and ability to finish fights.
The revelation about Chimaev's weight cut adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling championship matchup. Cutting nearly 21 kilograms is a testament to the champion's discipline and physical conditioning, though it also raises questions about how his body will respond on fight night after such a dramatic reduction.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.