But if things go according to plan, Chimaev may not stick around the division much longer.<\/p>\n
In an era where champions increasingly chase double-champ status<\/a> and money fights, \u201cBorz\u201d says he\u2019s already thinking about bigger opportunities beyond Middleweight \u2014 and maybe more pizza, too.<\/p>\n \u201cI just want big fights,\u201d Chimaev said. \u201cAlex Pereira, if he gonna lose to Ciryl Gane, he gonna come back down [to Light Heavyweight]. He\u2019s big fight too, big name. If not, I\u2019m gonna go to Heavyweight. I need big names, big money.\u201d<\/p>\n The undefeated champion also made it clear he has little interest in running laps around the Middleweight rankings.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think [there are big things at Middleweight],\u201d Chimaev explained. \u201cEven Sean is not a big thing for me because the guy I beat before him for all five rounds \u2014 Dricus du Plessis beat him twice<\/a>. If I stay here, I beat Sean, and then I beat Nassourdine Imavov \u2014 Imavov got beat by Sean \u2014 what\u2019s the point? Are we just going around in circles playing Russian Roulette?\u201d<\/p>\n Still, before any move happens, Chimaev has to get through Strickland on Saturday night.<\/p>\n