Dricus Du Plessis dismisses weight cut excuse for Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328

Middleweight contender Dricus Du Plessis has dismissed suggestions that Khamzat Chimaev's performance at UFC 328 was significantly compromised by weight-cutting difficulties, rejecting a narrative that emerged following Chimaev's split-decision loss to Sean Strickland.

Chimaev appeared visibly drained at the official weigh-ins preceding his title bid, leading some observers and even Chimaev's team to suggest that the extreme weight cut hampered his performance in the cage. During the fight, notably in the second round, Chimaev seemed to gas out badly on a failed takedown attempt, though he recovered to remain competitive through the final decision. Following the loss, both Arman Tsarukyan and his brother Artur publicly attributed the Chechen fighter's struggles to the toll of cutting weight.

However, Du Plessis offered a more skeptical assessment during an interview, stating that he believes the weight-cut explanation is overblown. "I think this whole weight cut excuse is ridiculous, to be honest with you," Du Plessis said, suggesting that Chimaev's fatigue should not be attributed primarily to weight management.

The weight-cut debate highlights an ongoing tension in combat sports regarding athlete health and preparation. While extreme cuts are widely acknowledged as physically taxing, the extent to which they determine fight outcomes remains contested. Du Plessis's position reflects a common view among fighters that preparation and mental toughness should carry greater weight in assessing performance than post-fight explanations. The discussion underscores ongoing concerns about fighter safety and the incentive structure that drives dangerous weight-cutting practices in professional MMA.