UFC star Khamzat Chimaev’s weigh-in for his UFC 267 clash against China’s Li Jingliang raised eyebrows, with the Swedish fighter accused of trying to “pull a fast one” to make weight.
Chimaev, undefeated and touted as a future champion by president Dana White, tipped the scales at 77.8kg — above the 77kg limit — and was given an extra hour to lose the extra weight.
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He stripped naked when he came back and used a towel to cover his private parts when he was on the scale. To the amazement of those in attendance, Chimaev weighed in at 75.3kg.
Chimaev was seen holding the top of the towel during the second attempt, and officials asked him to raise his hands for a third attempt which showed he came in right on weight at 77kg.
As vision of the weigh-in circulated online, several MMA fans and reporters accused the fighter of trying to cheat the scales.
“It was obvious he was trying to pull a fast one by leaning on the towel. His weight on the second try: 166 (pounds)! How could that possibly be?” MMA Junie’s Simon Samano wrote.
“It was clear the dramatically smaller number had everything to do with Chimaev’s obvious towel shenanigans.”
Even an official can be heard asking “He lost five pounds?” in bewilderment during the clip.
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Chimaev’s clash with China’s Jingliang will be his first in more than a year after temporarily retiring due to suffering severe health issues from COVID-19.
He was scheduled to face British fighter Leon Edwards last December and in January but positive Covid tests for both men cancelled the bouts.
Before being struck down by the virus, Chimaev burst onto the scene with 3 wins in 66 days and was hailed as a future star after disposing of several opponents in the first round.
His last clash against Gerald Meerschaert in September 2020 lasted 17 seconds.
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