Khamzat Chimaev is clear on his future UFC plans. The UFC middleweight champion has voiced his opinion on who he could face next.
He wants just one more fight in his current weight category before moving up to the light heavyweight category. For this, he has Alex Pareira in sight.
At UFC 319, Chimaev defeated Dricus du Plessis via unanimous decision. Thanks to this fight, he also moved up in UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings.
Now, Chimaev is excited about what is next for him. Talking to ESPN MMA, the man himself would like to venture into the light heavyweight category. He doesn’t want to stick around for too much longer at 185 pounds.
However, before making the move to a different category, he would very much like to defend his middleweight title. It is not clear who is going to be his opponent in this current scenario.
In this interview with ESPN MMA, he expressed his views on the current state of the division and who he would want to face next.
“I’m pushing for [Pereira], because [the UFC] are going to pay good for that,” Chimaev said when asked who he wants to fight next.
“But in my weight class, whoever, there is [Nassourdine] Imavov, there is [Sean] Strickland, there is [Anthony] Hernandez, whoever.
“All of them, I see a big check, good money.”
“There are a lot of options.
“But I want to [have], for sure, one more fight, [then] I’m going to go one more weight class up.
“One more fight and I want to go up next weight class.”
“You know how Dagestan and Chechnyan people, it’s a lot of drama, internet, and all these sh*t things, but if the UFC wants it, I’m never going to say no. If the guy wants it, I told his manager, as well, if Nassourdine wants, I will be open to it. If he says he can wait until I move up, I’m not going to say no. I want to fight this guy. For me, it doesn’t matter. Whatever he decides, the UFC decides, we’ll see.”
He also mentioned that he doesn’t want to fight Imarov because of their familiarity with one another. However, if UFC wants, he is ready to fight him.
He also revealed his desire to train with Jon Jones.
“Jon Jones is a legend. I hope one day I can train with him.”
“We [have] spoke about that. Maybe I [can] come to the US and do some training with him.”