UFC CEO Dana White has vehemently refuted claims circulating online regarding Khamzat Chimaev's weigh-in at UFC 328, labeling such speculation as 'f--king stupid.' The controversy arose after Chimaev appeared visibly weakened during the official weigh-in in New Jersey, with observers noting the mechanical scale's beam seemingly not settling before his weight was announced at 185 pounds. This quick reading fueled doubts, particularly among internet users and Chimaev's opponent, Sean Strickland, who alleged Chimaev also failed to make weight on a backstage scale. White, however, insists on the integrity of the New Jersey State Athletic Commission, highlighting their stringent regulations and dismissing any notion of preferential treatment for Chimaev.
The debate surrounding Chimaev's weigh-in gained traction when Sean Strickland, his challenger, publicly stated that Chimaev had indeed missed weight. Strickland recounted that his team witnessed Chimaev on a check scale backstage, where his camp reacted with dismay, suggesting he was over the limit and running out of time. This account added fuel to the online discussions, with many questioning the legitimacy of the official weigh-in. The visual evidence of Chimaev's condition and the swift announcement of his weight further exacerbated these concerns, leading to widespread suspicion across social media platforms and MMA fan communities.
In response to these growing doubts, Dana White strongly defended the process, emphasizing the role of the New Jersey State Athletic Commission. He pointed out the commission's reputation for strictness, citing a past instance where another fighter, Jeremy Stephens, faced repercussions for missing weight. White argued that such a commission would not compromise its standards for any fighter, no matter their popularity or the fight's significance. He characterized the online narrative as baseless and ill-informed, suggesting that those questioning the weigh-in process failed to appreciate the rigorous oversight in place.
White also addressed the use of mechanical beam scales instead of digital ones, acknowledging that this was a matter for the commission to decide, not the UFC. He distanced himself and the organization from the specifics of the equipment, reinforcing that the weigh-ins are entirely under the jurisdiction of the state athletic commission. This distinction was crucial in his argument to dismiss claims of any manipulation or special allowances made for Chimaev. The UFC CEO's firm stance aimed to quash the rumors and reinforce public trust in the sport's regulatory procedures, despite the lingering questions from fans and fighters.
While White adamantly dismissed the allegations, the incident brought to light a broader discussion within the MMA community about the transparency and potential vulnerabilities of the weigh-in process. The fact that the scale's bar did not visibly settle before the official announcement remained a point of contention for many. Ultimately, irrespective of the weigh-in controversy, Chimaev's intense weight cut appeared to have an impact on his performance. Sean Strickland ultimately defeated his opponent by split decision, claiming the middleweight title, a result that some observers attributed, in part, to the strenuous physical toll Chimaev endured during his weight cut.
