Khamzat Chimaev has hinted that regardless of what happens against Sean Strickland on Saturday night, UFC 328 could represent his final appearance at 185 pounds.
Speaking at a media scrum on Tuesday in Newark, Chimaev was asked about the possibility of moving up to light heavyweight after the Strickland fight. His response was brief, playful, and pointed.
“I hope so. I like to eat pizza. We will see.”
The light heavyweight division is currently in a state of flux following Carlos Ulberg’s ACL injury sustained during his title-winning knockout of Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327. Ulberg is not expected to return until 2027, and the UFC has not yet revealed whether it plans to implement an interim title in his absence. Chimaev has spoken previously about his desire to pursue a third divisional title, and his comments on Tuesday only added fuel to that possibility.
Despite the broader conversation about his future weight class, Chimaev made clear his focus heading into the weekend remains entirely on Strickland.
“I don’t know. I hope Ulberg gets a fast recovery. We will see. I’m not so much focused on what’s over Strickland. He’s a tough fighter, good fighter, but we take away all this sh*t he’s saying, he’s a good fighter. I just go focus on him, beat this guy, and then we go for the next. It’s always there. It doesn’t matter.”
UFC 328 takes place Saturday, May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.