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