TLDR
- Beneil Dariush recommends Khamzat Chimaev move up to light heavyweight instead of staying at middleweight
- Chimaev lost his UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland by split decision in May
- Dariush cites Chimaev’s weight cutting struggles as the main reason for his advice
- Chimaev aims to become the first three-division champion in UFC history
- Chimaev faces Colby Covington in a freestyle wrestling match at RAF Abu Dhabi on November 14
Sources: yardbarker.com | mmasucka.com
UFC lightweight fighter Beneil Dariush believes Khamzat Chimaev should move up to the light heavyweight division instead of pursuing a rematch at middleweight. Dariush shared his thoughts during a recent interview with Helen Yee Sports.
Chimaev lost the UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland by split decision in May. The fight ended Chimaev’s undefeated record and marked Strickland’s second reign as the 185-pound champion.
Ben Askren believes Khamzat Chimaev realized he could fight hard for 25 minutes after pushing through exhaustion against Sean Strickland.
“Chimaev didn’t realize he’d go that hard in the second round. It’s almost like he’s going to fall over, but then as the fight went on, he… pic.twitter.com/kYkyGcO7vy
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 9, 2026
After the loss, UFC president Dana White said Chimaev told him he was finished competing at middleweight. However, Chimaev quickly demanded a rematch with Strickland before apparently moving on from that idea.
Weight Cutting Issues Drive Recommendation
Dariush pointed to Chimaev’s well-documented struggles with weight cutting as the main reason for his advice. “If I’m being honest, I think Khamzat should go to 205,” Dariush said.
The American fighter and coach argued that Chimaev would perform better at light heavyweight without the difficult weight cut. “He’s going to have better cardio because his weight cut’s not going to be miserable,” Dariush explained.
Chimaev has competed at welterweight in the past and has also taken catchweight fights. Reports indicate he was scheduled to face Jiri Prochazka at light heavyweight earlier this year before plans changed.
Dariush believes Chimaev would not face size disadvantages at 205 pounds. “He’s going to be just as big. He’s not going to have an issue with size,” he said.
When asked who could challenge Chimaev at light heavyweight, Dariush questioned whether anyone in the division could give him serious trouble. He emphasized that moving up would benefit Chimaev’s long-term career prospects.
Three-Division Championship Goals
Chimaev has repeatedly expressed his goal of becoming a three-division UFC champion. No fighter has ever held titles in three different UFC weight classes.
Dariush acknowledged these ambitions in his comments. “He had the ’85 title, he can get the 205 title, and I know he’s aiming for three belts,” Dariush said.
The veteran fighter also mentioned that Chimaev could eventually compete at heavyweight. “In the future, he could be a heavyweight. I see him sparring with heavyweights all the time,” Dariush stated.
Dariush, a long-time member of the UFC lightweight division, also works as a coach at Kings MMA in California. He praised Strickland’s cardio and fighting ability during the interview.
Strickland is expected to defend his middleweight championship against Nassourdine Imavov in his next bout. Chimaev has expressed interest in recapturing the 185-pound title despite the advice to move up in weight.
Chimaev’s next scheduled competition is a freestyle wrestling match against Colby Covington at RAF Abu Dhabi on November 14. The bout will be for the RAF cruiserweight belt.
