Middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev just lately revealed that he does not plan on staying within the 185-pound division for very lengthy. Having gained the middleweight title in August, the Chechen intends on defending the belt one time earlier than shifting as much as the sunshine heavyweight division.
Chimaev desires a brilliant battle towards gentle heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, and believes it is a good matchup for him.
“Everybody is aware of that (it is a good battle for me). The UFC is aware of that, however the UFC do not need to give this man for me,” Chimaev instructed ESPN MMA.
“The man says, ‘Oh, I come to you in jiu-jitsu or wrestling, grappling. I do not know what. So, this grappling, jiu-jitsu, it isn’t our job. Our job is UFC, a UFC fighter, so do not say no to me. And he stated that he can battle with [Dricus] Du Plessis. He settle for the battle, however now he say like, ‘Oh, Khamzat not good battle.’ And now he is saying he is extra well-known than me. That is why I am utilizing his identify.
“Bro, if I simply say hello in my story on Instagram, I make extra views than his battle. So, I do not suppose so, this man extra well-known than me,” Chimaev continued.
Chimaev additionally went after Pereira’s coach, former UFC gentle heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira.
“His coach, Glover Teixeira, he stated like if he (Pereira) sees me in lodge or one thing. Bro, I do not want lodge. You must come to the UFC. You will have a contract. If you wish to battle, let’s go. Why? Why you say that stuff? This child sh*t. If you wish to battle, actual battle, we meet someplace. So, let’s have a look at who has a giant coronary heart all the best way,” Chimaev stated
“I haven’t got an issue preventing anyway, lodge, no lodge, or no matter. However our enterprise is UFC. It is the identical battle. Go in there, earn money, battle, let individuals watch who’s actual fighter,” continued the Chechen champion.
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Chimaev does not suppose Pereira desires the battle and accused the Brazilian of ‘operating’ from the matchup.
“I do not suppose he desires that battle. He is aware of about it. The UFC is aware of about it. I am unable to say the issues the UFC stated, it is going to be not respectful for Alex as a result of everybody is aware of this man isn’t on my stage,” Chimaev stated.
“He is a great striker, top-of-the-line strikers. I give him the respect for him. He has knockout energy and every part. However brother, like ask 99% on the planet who’s watching UFC, they are going to inform you who’s going to win the battle,” Chimaev added.
“He is aware of it. That is why he is operating away. Why settle for the battle towards Du Plessis? Why he not settle for a battle towards me? What’s that? I beat Du Plessis, like I destroyed the man, 5 rounds, however he is saying like I am not well-known. Was Du Plessis well-known,” questioned Chimaev. “He has like 100 views on his Instagram. I’ve like 500 million views after the battle.”
Chimaev’s motivations to battle Pereira are financially pushed greater than private. Paydays change lives. Belts sit in trophy instances. It is the largest checks Chimaev seeks.
“The vital factor, they pay good. Alex, they are going to pay good for Alex. Good pay-per-views. Possibly they pay extra money for that. That is why I am pushing for that.”
