On October 22, one of the most anticipated tournaments in recent years, UFC 280, will take place in the UAE. In the main event of the tournament, Russian Islam Makhachev will fight Brazilian Charles Oliveira for the lightweight champion belt. On the eve of the “Fighting Island” athletes went through the weigh-in procedure, but not for all it ended successfully.

American Kathleen Chookagyan made her fans worry: the athlete got to the scales in a very exhausted state, but still did not fit into the weight category.

To hit the limit, Kathleen decided to completely undress.

The weight lifter failed

On October 22, Chookagyan is scheduled to fight in the main card with the Frenchwoman Manon Fioro. The American of Armenian origin has long been in the top 10 women’s rankings, regardless of weight categories, having won four victories in a row. Kathleen also holds the UFC record for the most fights and wins in women’s flyweight history. However, in the upcoming fight, it will not be easy for her: Fioro has not lost for 4 years and is on a series of 11 victories.

In addition, the state of Chookagyan at the official weigh-in adds to fears: the American approached the scales completely exhausted. The device showed an advantage, but Kathleen decided to go all the way, asking them to take out the screen. Behind her, the athlete completely parted with her clothes, but she did not manage to make weight. Annoyance was read on Kathleen’s haggard face, it was painful to look at the American. And her rival at the weigh-in ceremony calmly met the limit and looked much more cheerful.

Although Chookagyan turned out to be harder than expected, the fight will take place, it’s just that Kathleen will have to share part of her share of the fee with her opponent. Fortunately, Fioro agrees to fight with an American who does not fit into the standard.

Photo: © Chris Unger / Contributor / UFC / Gettyimages.com

Chookagyan’s condition is highly likely to seriously affect the final result in the cage. In her last four fights in the UFC, Kathleen got tough decision wins, one of which was completely separate. The American is not famous for her ability to take victories ahead of schedule, only 3 fights (2 by knockout, 1 by reception) out of 19 in her career were obtained before the final gong. Fioro, in turn, is known for her knockout power – 7 out of 14 wins the Frenchwoman got by knockouts.

This alignment suggests the dire situation of Kathleen. The exhausted weight-breaker will have to go up against a dangerous knockout woman, who, moreover, came to the fight in a more optimal condition. Chookagyan had very little time left to recover. The more interesting it will be to watch the upcoming battle.