Dana White defends Chimaev and criticizes conspiracy theory about weigh-in error at UFC 328: 'Stupid people'

Chimaev at the UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/KhamzatChimaev

Weighing the UFC 328The event, held last Friday (8) in New Jersey (USA), was so controversial that it is still generating discussion. In it, Khamzat Shimaev He had a tough time making weight and almost jeopardized his participation in the main event against Sean StricklandIn fact, many fans and MMA professionals claimed that the Chechen fighter did not make weight to compete in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). But, according to Dana White, this reaction was exaggerated.

The official defended Chimaev and criticized those who believe he failed at the weigh-in. It's worth remembering that the Chechen was the last fighter to appear at the ceremony and looked frail and visibly weakened. Furthermore, many point out that the scale never stabilized, indicating that 'Borz' didn't reach the ideal weight, that he spent less time on it compared to the other athletes, and that he received special treatment from the local Athletic Commission to fight against his rival.

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Aware of the negative repercussions surrounding Chimaev's weigh-in, Dana downplayed the controversy, stressing that it was only created because, nowadays, people tend to look for flaws and problems where none exist. In any case, 'Borz', despite being a heavy favorite, ended up losing the fight to the American by split decision, and the poorly executed weight cut may have been the main factor that hurt him in the octagon.

“The New Jersey Athletic Commission oversees the weigh-in, right? And Stephens missed weight by almost two pounds, right? They reached an agreement, but in Chimaev's case, they wouldn't let him make weight. New Jersey and New York are two of the strictest commissions in the country. There are a lot of stupid people on the internet,” said the UFC president at the post-event press conference.

Chimaev's fighters in MMA

Khamzat ShimaevBorz, 31, is one of the best and most fearsome MMA fighters today. The Russian began his career in the sport in 2018, debuted in the UFC in 2020, and became middleweight champion in 2025. Currently, he is ranked first in the division. Previously, 'Borz' also excelled in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg).

In this modality, the athlete competed in 16 fights, winning 15, 12 of which were by stoppage (six by knockout and six by submission), and losing once. His main victories were against Dricus du Plessis, Gilbert Durinho, Kamaru Usman e Robert whittaker.