Arman Tsarukyan has provided further insight into the incredibly challenging weight cut that Khamzat Chimaev underwent prior to UFC 328.
Following his middleweight title bout at UFC 328 against Sean Strickland, which Chimaev lost via split decision, many observers noted his visibly drained appearance. The fight itself was a close contest, with Chimaev opting for a striking-heavy approach rather than his characteristic wrestling-based style.
Tsarukyan recently discussed the severity of Chimaev’s weight cut on the JAXXON Podcast. He revealed that Chimaev lost a total of 40 pounds for the fight, with a staggering 13 pounds needing to be shed on the final day.
“From day 1 of his training camp, he cut 40lbs,” Tsarukyan explained. “He had to cut 13lbs on the last day. The first 9lbs was easy and he felt bad during the night, and then he woke up and said, ‘I feel so weak and have no energy. I don’t know how I’m gonna cut this 4lbs.’ He didn’t wanna finish the cut, but the team pushed him.”
Tsarukyan believes that despite feeling better on the morning of the fight, the extreme weight cut significantly impacted Chimaev’s performance. He observed that Chimaev “gassed out in Round 1” and subsequently changed his strategy to engage in striking exchanges with Sean Strickland.
While Tsarukyan and Chimaev’s camp anticipated a dominant five-round performance from “Borz” based on his intense training sessions, the Armenian fighter suggests the weight cut was the primary reason for Chimaev’s altered approach.
Furthermore, Tsarukyan expressed his opinion that in such a closely contested bout, the champion should have retained their belt, and based on his analysis, he felt Chimaev had done enough to defeat Strickland.
Arman Tsarukyan Explains Khamzat Chimaev’s Intense Training and Weight Cut Woes
Arman Tsarukyan has shed light on the arduous weight-cutting process undertaken by Khamzat Chimaev leading up to UFC 328. Chimaev’s performance against Sean Strickland, which resulted in a split-decision loss for the middleweight title, was preceded by what Tsarukyan described as a brutal weight cut.
Tsarukyan shared details on the JAXXON Podcast, explaining that Chimaev lost a total of 40 pounds for the fight. The most critical phase occurred on the final day, where Chimaev had to shed approximately 13 pounds. While the initial 9 pounds of weight loss were manageable, the remaining 4 pounds proved to be a severe challenge. Chimaev reportedly expressed extreme weakness and a lack of energy, hesitant to continue cutting weight, but was ultimately urged on by his team.
“From day 1 of his training camp, he cut 40lbs,” Tsarukyan stated. “He had to cut 13lbs on the last day. The first 9lbs was easy and he felt bad during the night, and then he woke up and said, ‘I feel so weak and have no energy. I don’t know how I’m gonna cut this 4lbs.’ He didn’t wanna finish the cut, but the team pushed him.”
Despite feeling better the morning after the intense cut, Tsarukyan believes the physical toll significantly affected Chimaev’s fight against Strickland. He noted that Chimaev appeared to run out of gas early in the first round and subsequently shifted to a striking battle instead of employing his usual grappling tactics.
Tsarukyan recalled Chimaev’s impressive training, where he was reportedly sparring for five rounds continuously and dominating opponents. This led Tsarukyan to believe Chimaev would maintain a high pace for the entire five rounds against Strickland. However, he attributes the change in strategy directly to the grueling weight cut.
In conclusion, Tsarukyan offered his perspective on the fight’s outcome, suggesting that in a close bout, the champion should retain their title. He personally felt that Chimaev had done enough to win against Strickland.
Arman Tsarukyan on Khamzat Chimaev’s Grueling Weight Cut and Fight Strategy
Arman Tsarukyan has divulged concerning details about the extreme weight cut experienced by Khamzat Chimaev before his UFC 328 middleweight championship bout against Sean Strickland. The fight, which Chimaev ultimately lost by split decision, was characterized by a visible struggle from Chimaev, leading many to speculate about the impact of his weight management.
Speaking on the JAXXON Podcast, Tsarukyan revealed the immense challenge Chimaev faced, stating that he had to shed a total of 40 pounds. The final day of the cut was particularly brutal, requiring Chimaev to lose nearly 13 pounds. While the initial phase of the weight loss (9 pounds) was manageable, the subsequent 4 pounds proved to be a significant hurdle, leaving Chimaev feeling critically weak and depleted. He reportedly expressed reluctance to continue the cut, but his team urged him to reach the target weight.
“From day 1 of his training camp, he cut 40lbs,” Tsarukyan recounted. “He had to cut 13lbs on the last day. The first 9lbs was easy and he felt bad during the night, and then he woke up and said, ‘I feel so weak and have no energy. I don’t know how I’m gonna cut this 4lbs.’ He didn’t wanna finish the cut, but the team pushed him.”
Tsarukyan believes this strenuous weight cut directly influenced Chimaev’s performance. Although Chimaev reportedly felt better on fight day, he appeared to lack stamina early in the first round and deviated from his dominant wrestling approach to engage in a striking war with Strickland.
Tsarukyan noted that Chimaev’s training camp indicated he was in peak condition, capable of maintaining an intense pace for multiple rounds. However, he posits that the severe weight cut forced Chimaev to alter his game plan during the fight.
Furthermore, Tsarukyan offered his personal assessment of the bout, stating that in a close fight, the champion should retain their belt. Based on his analysis, Tsarukyan felt that Chimaev had outperformed Strickland.