Former UFC champion reveals the reason behind Chimaev's challenges to Alex Poatan: 'there are rumors'

Ales Poatan (left) was challenged by Khamzat Shimaev (dir.). Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

Kamaru Usman raised doubts about the real motivation of Khamzat Shimaev by challenging Alex 'Poatan'. Since he defeated Dricus Du Plessis and after winning the middleweight belt (up to 83,9 kg), the Chechen, who built his career in the welterweight division (up to 77 kg), began to publicly express his... desire to move up to light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) in search of a super fight against the Brazilian. For the former Nigerian champion, however, this narrative functions more as a justification than as a well-defined sporting plan.

During an appearance on the 'Pound for Pound' podcast, Usman suggested that Chimaev might once again be over the weight limit for his current division, which would explain his interest in changing weight classes. According to him, the Chechen has always been a naturally large athlete, and the simple fact that he can make 77 kg is already something out of the ordinary. The Nigerian also cited rumors that the Wolf was weighing over 110 kg, reinforcing the idea that the move up a weight class would be a physical necessity, and not just a strategic choice.

See too

Volkanovski's coach reveals the champion's serious injury before UFC 325: 'I didn't think he was going to fight'

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend André Galvão defends himself against accusations of harassment within his team.

Undefeated giant points out Islam Makhachev's only advantage in a potential UFC fight.

"For Khamzat Shimaev "If I keep calling him out to fight, I think Khamzat is possibly too heavy again. I think he's become too big for the division again and now he's thinking something like, 'You know what? I'm going after this. I'm going to move up to a new weight class where I can make weight and win the belt.' Because there are all sorts of rumors saying he's at 110 or 112 kg, whatever… Khamzat is a big guy. He's always been a big guy. The fact that Khamzat can make 77 kg is absurd…," he said. Kamaru Usman.

Khamzat Chimaev challenges Alex Poatan to UFC Casa Branca

Khamzat Shimaev he hasn't forgotten the plan to confront Alex Poatán And he even has a specific venue in mind. In a post on 'X', the Chechen fighter mentioned UFC Casa Branca for the fight and showed extreme confidence by promising a quick victory if the fight actually happens.

“Let’s go to the White House. Don’t worry, I’ll finish you off real quick!”, Chimaev wrote and tagged Alex Poatán.

Let's go White House 🦾
Don't worry, I will finish you fast @AlexPereiraUFC ⚰️

— Khamzat Shimaev (@KChimaev) January 12, 2026