Khamzat Chimaev publicly challenged Alex Pereira to a heavyweight combat, indicating he needs to maneuver up two weight lessons for the high-profile matchup. The present UFC middleweight champion posted on Twitter: “I am able to combat you at heavyweight. There isn’t any higher superfight than ours, No Chama, that is SMASH EVERYBODY.”
Khamzat Chimaev needs to signal Alex Pereira at heavyweight
Chimaev (15-0) defeated Drikas du Plessis by unanimous resolution at UFC 319 to win the middleweight title. His profession breakthrough comes after 5 dominant performances relationship again to early 2022, together with a submission win over Robert Whittaker and a majority resolution over Kamaru Usman. Recognized for his grappling-first model and ending capacity, Chimaev has completed 9 of his 12 UFC fights, with a fair cut up between knockouts and submissions.
Pereira (13-3) defeated Magomed Ankalaev by first-round technical knockout at UFC 320 to regain the UFC mild heavyweight title. A former two-division kickboxing champion, Pereira has amassed 11 KO wins in his skilled MMA profession, constructing a repute as considered one of MMA’s strongest strikers. His victory over Ankalaev was his sixth knockout win in a title combat, tying him with the game’s greats for fast and decisive finishes on the highest degree.
Chimaev’s wrestling and high-octane tempo overwhelmed a number of the greatest fighters within the division. Nevertheless, Pereira’s strikes work with a degree of energy that most individuals can not stand up to. Former UFC middleweight contender Elliott Marriner famous that Chimaev’s capacity to mix strain and takedown prowess might take a look at Pereira’s takedown protection, which has improved underneath coach Glover Teixeira. Conversely, UFC analyst Dana White speculated that Pereira’s correct hanging “might make Chimaev respect vary greater than ever.”
Each fighters will probably be making their debut at heavyweight, the place the connection between dimension and energy adjustments markedly. Chimaev has by no means fought above middleweight and fought at welterweight, whereas Pereira has been lively at mild heavyweight since 2022 and beforehand fought at middleweight.
From a promotional standpoint, this match ticks lots of containers. That includes two reigning champions, cross-division intrigue, and a transparent narrative. Chimaev has publicly acknowledged his objective of profitable titles in three divisions. Pereira has expressed curiosity in shifting to heavyweight, citing the problem of sunshine heavyweight and the attraction of a contemporary division.
At this stage, the matchup stays a matter of hypothesis. However Chimaev’s public problem leaves little doubt about his intentions.
