Khamzat Chimaev has confirmed that he plans to move up to the UFC’s light heavyweight division after one more fight at middleweight, while also revealing ambitions about training with former champion Jon Jones.

The undefeated 185-pound champion has been linked with a future at 205-pounds amid growing interest in potential high-profile matchups and the financial opportunities available at the higher weight class, with UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira emerging as a possible long-term target.

“I’m pushing for Pereira, because the UFC are going to pay good for that,” Chimaev said, according to talkSPORT.

He also outlined the range of possible opponents still available to him at middleweight before making the switch. “But in my weight class, whoever, there is Imavov, there is Strickland, there is Hernandez, whoever. All of them, I see a big check, good money,” he said. Chimaev added, “There are a lot of options. But I want to have, for sure, one more fight, then I’m going to go one more weight class up. One more fight and I want to go up next weight class.”

Alongside his competitive plans, Chimaev confirmed that he has discussed the possibility of working with Jon Jones as part of his future development. “Jon Jones is a legend. I hope one day I can train with him,” he said.

Chimaev is currently sidelined with injury and is not expected to return to competition until after Ramadan, leaving the timeline for his next middleweight fight, and any subsequent move to light heavyweight, yet to be finalised.