TLDR
- Beneil Dariush recommends Khamzat Chimaev move up to the light heavyweight division instead of pursuing a middleweight rematch
- Chimaev lost his UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland by split decision in May 2026
- Strickland signed a 6-fight UFC contract before defeating Chimaev to become a two-time middleweight champion
- Dariush believes Chimaev would have better cardio at 205 pounds and avoid difficult weight cuts
- Chimaev faces Colby Covington in a freestyle wrestling match at RAF Abu Dhabi on November 14
Sources: middleeasy.com | sports.yahoo.com | mmasucka.com
UFC veteran Beneil Dariush has offered advice to Khamzat Chimaev about his quest to become a three-division UFC champion. The longtime lightweight fighter believes Chimaev should move up to light heavyweight instead of chasing a middleweight rematch.
Dariush made his comments during a recent interview with Helen Yee Sports. He was asked about a potential rematch between Chimaev and current middleweight champion Sean Strickland.
UFC star who said Sean Strickland would beat Khamzat Chimaev predicts his Nassourdine Imavov fight https://t.co/6bXmfwOlJP pic.twitter.com/0IQtVAiIjY
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) October 11, 2026
“If I’m being honest, I think Khamzat should go to 205 pounds,” Dariush said. He pointed to Chimaev’s well-documented struggles with cutting weight as a major reason for the recommendation.
Weight Cut Struggles Impact Performance
Chimaev lost his UFC middleweight championship to Strickland by split decision in May 2026. The fight ended Chimaev’s previously unbeaten record and made Strickland a two-time middleweight champion.
Before that fight, Strickland signed a 6-fight contract with the UFC. The deal secured his future with the promotion ahead of the championship bout.
Dariush explained that Chimaev’s size makes him a natural fit for light heavyweight. “Who in the 205 division is going to really give him a hard time?” he asked.
The Kings MMA coach and fighter said Chimaev wouldn’t face size disadvantages at the heavier weight class. He also predicted better cardio with an easier weight cut.
“He’s going to be just as big. He’s not going to have an issue with size,” Dariush stated. “He’s going to have better cardio because his weight cut’s not going to be miserable.”
Chimaev has competed at multiple weight classes during his UFC career. He has fought at welterweight and middleweight, in addition to some catchweight bouts.
Earlier this year, Chimaev was reportedly set to face Jiri Prochazka at light heavyweight. However, those plans changed and Chimaev instead attempted to cut down to middleweight for the Strickland fight.
Three-Division Championship Dreams
Chimaev has repeatedly expressed his goal of winning UFC titles in three different weight divisions. No fighter has ever accomplished this feat in UFC history.
Dariush addressed these ambitions directly in his interview. He sees a path for Chimaev to achieve championship success across multiple divisions.
“He had the 85-pound title. He can get the 205-pound title,” Dariush said. “And I know he’s aiming for three belts.”
The veteran fighter even suggested heavyweight as a future option for Chimaev. “In the future, he could be a heavyweight. I see him sparring with heavyweights all the time,” Dariush noted.
For career longevity, Dariush emphasized that light heavyweight represents the best option. The weight class would allow Chimaev to compete without the physical toll of extreme weight cutting.
Strickland is currently expected to defend the middleweight championship against Nassourdine Imavov. This means a Chimaev rematch at 185 pounds appears unlikely in the near future.
Meanwhile, Chimaev has turned his attention to freestyle wrestling. He is scheduled to face Colby Covington for the RAF cruiserweight belt at RAF Abu Dhabi on November 14.
Chimaev has also made headlines for mocking Strickland’s recent interest in pursuing boxing opportunities. He told Strickland “Don’t be a bitch” regarding the champion’s boxing aspirations.
