Overview
- Khamzat Chimaev told ESPN he will defend his middleweight title once after Ramadan in March, then move to light heavyweight.
- He is targeting a matchup with 205-pound champion Alex Pereira, and no bout has been booked.
- Pereira has signaled interest in moving to heavyweight in 2026 to chase Jon Jones, creating uncertainty for a Chimaev fight.
- Potential opponents for Chimaev’s next defense include Nassourdine Imavov, whom he prefers not to face due to training ties, or the winner of Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez.
- Chimaev said middleweight fights do not excite him and he is focused on higher-paying opportunities, adding he believes the UFC is reluctant to match him with Pereira.