Israel Adesanya, the two-time UFC middleweight champion, is waiting for his next big challenge. Adesanya put his combat sports rival Alex Pereira behind him, at least for now, after knocking him out in round two of their fourth encounter and MMA rematch at UFC 287 this past April. He reclaimed the 185-pound throne and is heading to light heavyweight, while the next middleweight title challenger is expected to emerge from the Robert Whittaker vs. Dricus Du Plessis matchup at UFC 290 on July 8.

Khamzat Chimaev, the top-ranked welterweight contender, has teased a move back to 185 pounds and an interest in fighting Adesanya. “The Last Stylebender” still targets a grudge match with Du Plessis but likes all of his options. “I’m not scared of nobody. I like a challenge. [Chimaev] presents something unique. It’s a big fight. Cheddar makes it better,”

Adesanya said on IMPAULSIVE. Although Usman vs. Chimaev is not official, UFC President Dana White has mentioned the pairing, and both fighters have teased their interest in the matchup. Chimaev’s current limbo comes after a massive 7.5-pound weight miss ahead of his last scheduled fight with Nate Diaz at welterweight in September, leading him to campaign for a fight against Adesanya.