TLDR
- Khamzat Chimaev plans to defend his middleweight title once more after Ramadan ends in March before moving to light heavyweight
- Nassourdine Imavov is the likely next opponent as the No. 2 ranked contender at 185 pounds
- Chimaev claims Alex Pereira is avoiding a fight with him despite accepting a previous bout with Dricus Du Plessis
- The champion says money is his main motivation for pursuing a fight with Pereira at light heavyweight
- Chimaev is not excited about current middleweight contenders but will fight whoever the UFC chooses
UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has announced plans to defend his title one more time before moving up to light heavyweight. The champion made the announcement during an interview with ESPN on Monday.
Chimaev won the 185-pound title with a dominant performance against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in August. He plans to make his first title defense after Ramadan ends in March.
The UFC has not officially named his next opponent. However, Nassourdine Imavov appears to be the most likely challenger as the No. 2 ranked contender at middleweight.
Chimaev stated he is not particularly excited about fighting the current middleweight contenders. This group includes Imavov, Sean Strickland, and Anthony Hernandez.
The champion has his sights set on a bigger prize. Chimaev wants to move up to light heavyweight to challenge champion Alex Pereira for a second belt.
The Pereira Callout
Chimaev believes Pereira is avoiding a fight with him. He pointed out that Pereira accepted a previous fight with Du Plessis but has dismissed Chimaev’s callout.
“I don’t think he wants that fight,” Chimaev said. “Everyone knows this guy is not on my level.”
Pereira has stated he is focused on bigger fights. He offered to compete with Chimaev in a grappling match instead of an MMA bout.
Chimaev rejected this idea. He said their business is UFC fighting, not grappling competitions.
The middleweight champion questioned why Pereira accepted a fight with Du Plessis but not with him. Chimaev defeated Du Plessis over five rounds to win his title.
Chimaev also disputed Pereira’s claim about being more famous. He said his Instagram stories get more views than Pereira’s fights.
Money Talks
Chimaev was open about his motivation for pursuing the Pereira fight. The primary reason is financial rather than competitive.
“For me, it’s not big important. I fight anyone,” Chimaev said. “The important thing is pay good.”
He explained that a fight with Pereira would generate better pay-per-view numbers. This would result in a bigger payday for him.
Chimaev said he could make $3 million for a regular fight. A big-name opponent like Pereira could earn him $5-6 million instead.
The champion admitted the current middleweight contenders do not excite him. However, he views fighting them as part of his job.
Chimaev said he needs to make money. If that means fighting less exciting opponents, he will do it.
Regarding Imavov specifically, Chimaev has a personal connection. The two have trained together before, and both are Muslim fighters.
Chimaev said he does not particularly want to fight Imavov because they know each other. There is also existing drama between Chechen and Dagestani communities that he prefers to avoid.
Despite his reservations, Chimaev said he will not turn down the fight. If Imavov wants the fight and the UFC books it, he will accept.
The champion also said he is willing to wait if Imavov wants to delay the fight until after Chimaev moves up in weight. He left the decision to Imavov and the UFC.
Chimaev confirmed his plan to move up to light heavyweight after one more middleweight defense. He wants to pursue a second championship at 205 pounds regardless of whether that opponent is Pereira.
