Alex Pereira has accsused Khamzat Chimaev of "running" from 170lb after teasing a switch to middleweight.
Chimaev is considered one of the UFC's fastest rising prospects on the roster, which has seen him solidify his status as a leading contender at 170lb with six consecutive wins. However for his last fight, the Chechen star faced a significant struggle to cut down to the weight for his clash with Nate Diaz and missed his target forcing late replacement Kevin Holland to step in.
After ousting Holland, questions were asked of Chimaev's future at 170lb which saw him call out the winner of Pereira's title-winning clash with Adesanya in December. With the pair having exchanged verbal barbs on social media over a short-notice attempt at arranging a showdown, it appeared a new rivalry had escalated from Chimaev's uncertain future.
