Khamzat Chimaev has been backed by rival Paulo Costa to pose a "big problem" to new UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira.
Chimaev has made a quick-time rise at 170lb, where he is ranked as one of the leading contenders after six straight wins since joining the UFC. However, his future at welterweight was thrust into doubt after he failed to make weight for his planned clash with Nate Diaz in September, which saw him instead defeat late replacement Kevin Holland at a catchweight.
'Borz' is expected to move up to 185lb and has already laid down his immediate plans for a title challenge, calling out newly crowned-champion Pereira after his win over Israel Adesanya. And Costa has stated that the Chechen star has refused to fight him but confirmed his plans to move up in weight.
