The last time the undefeated Chimaev had a fight was in September 2022, but the Swede has said that he has since accepted several offers from the UFC, but that the fights have not happened.

Among other things, he has expressed a desire to fight champion Alex Pereira for the UFC belt at middleweight (84 kilograms).

When Pereira — who is in a major title fight in Miami on Sunday night — was asked about Chimaev at a press conference, however, he didn't show the same interest back.

"I am willing and ready to face the opponent that the UFC gives me. Like Paulo Costa and Robert Whittaker, I respect them. They don't trash-talk and try to rebuild themselves. Chimaev ran from all of us, says the brass, and goes on to say that he "doesn't want to talk about Chimaev".

"He doesn't go to any games"

Compatriot Gilbert Burns – who Chimaev defeated last year in his toughest match ever – thinks the Swede has changed.

"I like him and he's a great fighter, but he talks a lot. When he first started, he talked about going to games all the time and facing everyone. He was hungry. Now he doesn't play any games and the months pass. I think he changed his way of thinking after the fight against me," Burns told MMA Junkie.

SVT Sport has sought Chimaev through his agent Majdi Shammas, without success.

"Blood on their hands"

Khamzat Chimaev has also faced harsh criticism for his connection to Ramzan Kadyrov, the president of Chechnya where Chimaev was born and raised.

Kadyrov has been accused of, among other things, serious human rights violations such as murder and torture of opponents, as well as persecution of homosexuals.

"If Chimaev supports such people, of course he himself has blood on his hands," UFC star Jan Blachowicz has previously said.

Chimaev himself has not commented on the connection with Kadyrov.

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Three questions about Chimaev's connection to Kadyrov Photo: Bildbyrån