TLDR
- A new photo of Khamzat Chimaev shows a much larger physique, sparking speculation about a move to light heavyweight
- Daniel Cormier initially doubted Chimaev could compete at 205 pounds but changed his mind after seeing sparring footage
- Chimaev appeared to hold his own against Khalil Rountree Jr. and Luke Rockhold in striking exchanges
- Cormier was impressed by Chimaev’s size and power, saying he already looks like a 205-pound fighter
- Light heavyweight Carlos Ulberg warned Chimaev to stay at middleweight, calling him too small for the division
Sources: Bloody Elbow | Yardbarker | EssentiallySports
A recent photo of Khamzat Chimaev’s physique has sparked widespread speculation that the undefeated fighter could be preparing to move up to light heavyweight. The image shows Chimaev with a much larger frame than he typically carries at middleweight.
Fans immediately began discussing whether the 29-year-old fighter is planning to compete at 205 pounds. Chimaev has competed primarily at welterweight and middleweight throughout his UFC career.
Cormier’s Opinion Changes After Watching Sparring Sessions
Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier initially doubted that Chimaev could succeed at light heavyweight. He believed the fighter would be too small to compete against naturally bigger opponents in that division.
However, Cormier changed his stance after watching sparring footage of Chimaev training with established light heavyweights. The videos showed Chimaev working with Khalil Rountree Jr. and former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold.
“I thought that if Khamzat were to fight at 205, he’d be running up against guys who would just be too big for him,” Cormier said. “Then I saw a video of him sparring Khalil Rountree — his back looked massive.”
Cormier added that Chimaev already looks like a 205-pound fighter in the footage. The former champion was particularly impressed by how Chimaev performed against his larger training partners.
Chimaev Shows Striking Power Against Bigger Opponents
What surprised Cormier most was not just Chimaev’s size but his performance in striking exchanges. Cormier observed that Chimaev appeared to be winning rounds against Rountree during their sparring session.
“You watch him and Khalil Rountree striking, and it looks to me like Khamzat is winning the striking,” Cormier noted. He also pointed out that Chimaev was “kicking with the same power as Luke,” referring to his work with Rockhold.
For a fighter known primarily for his wrestling and grappling skills, matching power with natural light heavyweights on the feet adds another dimension to his game. If Chimaev can maintain his speed advantage while matching their strength, the move could be viable.
Cormier admitted he may have underestimated Chimaev’s physical capabilities. “I’ve got to be honest, I don’t know that this kid couldn’t fight at 205 lbs,” he confessed.
Not everyone agrees with the potential move to light heavyweight. Carlos Ulberg, a top-ranked light heavyweight contender, warned Chimaev to “stay in his lane” at middleweight.
Ulberg believes Chimaev is too small for the 205-pound division. He urged the Chechen-born fighter to defend his middleweight title before considering a move up in weight.
The comments from Ulberg come as light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has expressed interest in moving to heavyweight. This could potentially open up title opportunities at 205 pounds.
Whether Chimaev actually makes the jump to light heavyweight remains uncertain. The fighter has not publicly announced any plans to change divisions, and no official statements have been made by his team regarding a weight class change.
