Chimaev eyes move to light heavyweight after 1 more fight

UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev wants to defend his title once, then move up to light heavyweight to challenge for a second belt.

"One more fight and then I'll move up (to the next weight class)," Chimaev told ESPN's Brett Okamoto on Monday.

Chimaev captured the 185-pound title with a dominant win over Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in August. He said he plans to make his first defense after Ramadan ends in March. Although the promotion has yet to name his next opponent, No. 2-ranked contender Nassourdine Imavov appears to be the most likely option.

Chimaev said Monday he isn't too excited about fighting the current middleweight contenders, including Imavov, Sean Strickland, and Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez, and hopes to eventually secure a lucrative matchup against light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

However, he said he isn't sure Pereira is willing to sign on the dotted line.

"I don't think he wants that fight," Chimaev said. "Everyone knows this guy is not on my level. He's a good striker, one of the best strikers. I give respect for him. He has knockout power and everything. But ask 99% of the world who is watching UFC, they're gonna tell you who is gonna win.

"He knows it. ... That's why he's running away. Why he accept the fight against Du Plessis? Why he not accept the fight against me? I beat Du Plessis. I destroyed the guy, five rounds."