Jon Jones has influenced Khamzat Chimaev’s decision to move up to the light heavyweight division in the future.
Chimaev, the newly minted 185-pound kingpin, won the championship at UFC 319 by dethroning Dricus du Plessis in dominant fashion. ‘Borz’ is currently on the sidelines due to a minor foot injury that requires surgery. He is expected to return for his first post-Ramadan title defense in mid-2026. Chimaev’s next challenge will be that most likely yes Nassourdine Imavov.
After defending his UFC middleweight crown once, Chimaev is looking to take a step up in search of glory in two divisions. Recently, Jon Jones shared his thoughts on how the Chechen-born Emiratis will fare in a higher weight class. ‘Bones’ told Red Corner MMA:
I think Khamzat Chimaev can win at any weight. I think he is one of the strongest fighters in the world right now. I think he’s big enough to compete with heavyweights, and I think he’s still small enough to go down. I think he’s a great welterweight. I’d like to see him at light heavyweight. I think he would do great against these guys [Alex] Pereira and [Magomed] Ankalaev and all these guys.”
Check out Jon Jones’ comments on Khamzat Chimaev below:
Khamzat Chimaev wants to fight Alex Pereira
After a first successful title defense at middleweight, Khamzat Chimaev, as previously mentioned, wants to move up to light heavyweight. The 31-year-old has his sights set on Alex Pereira, the current and two-time UFC light heavyweight champion as well as a former UFC middleweight champion.
‘Poatan’, on the other hand, does showed no interest in the fight.
At UFC 320, after dismantling Magomed Ankalaev in round 1 and regaining the title, ‘Poatan’ now looks to move up to heavyweight and take his shot at becoming the first three-division champion. He called Jon Jones. However, the head of the UFC has not supported this idea.
Meanwhile, as champion Tom Aspinall recovers from his eye injury, rumors are swirling that the Brazilian will vacate his light heavyweight title and fight Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title this year.
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