Khamzat Chimaev has stated he is willing to fight Alex Pereira at light heavyweight. The callout comes as Chimaev continues to make noise across multiple weight divisions. Details about whether this is a serious challenge or hypothetical discussion remain unclear from the post. Chimaev has competed primarily at welterweight and middleweight in the UFC. Pereira currently holds the light heavyweight title. No official response from Pereira or the UFC has been reported.
Khamzat Chimaev has publicly called out UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, declaring he is ready to move up and fight "Poatan" at 205 pounds. The statement adds another bold chapter to Chimaev's campaign to establish himself across multiple weight classes, though no official response from Pereira or the UFC has been reported.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," carries a 15-1 record and is currently ranked number one in the middleweight division, sitting tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. The 32-year-old, who trains out of Allstars Training Center and represents the United Arab Emirates, has built his reputation on suffocating grappling — averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes — combined with sharp striking at 60 percent accuracy and 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he has competed primarily at welterweight and middleweight inside the UFC.
Pereira, meanwhile, holds the light heavyweight title with a 13-4 record. The 38-year-old Brazilian out of Teixeira MMA and Fitness is one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport, landing 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy. At six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach, "Poatan" holds notable size and length advantages over Chimaev at that weight class.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the top-ranked middleweight and already operates between two divisions; a move to light heavyweight would be a significant jump
- Pereira's size, reach, and striking output would present a unique stylistic test for Chimaev's grappling-heavy approach
- No confirmation from Pereira's camp or the UFC means this remains an informal callout at this stage
