Are we inching closer to a clash between two top pound-for-pound champions, Khamzat Chimaev, and Alex Pereira?
The undisputed UFC middleweight champion Chimaev (15-0) recently had a back-and-forth exchange with the 205-pound kingpin Pereira, on social media. They teased a potential matchup after “Poatan” issued Chimaev a challenge, which the native of Chechen Republic, Russia, accepted. However, Chimaev is certain that Pereira would rather avoid standing across from him inside the octagon.
“I don’t think he (Pereira) wants the fight,” Chimaev told ESPN MMA. “He knows about it, and the UFC knows about it. Everyone knows this guy’s not on my level. He’s a good striker. One of the best strikers. I give the respect for him. He has knockout power and everything. Ask whoever, 99% in the world who’s watching UFC. They’re going to tell you who is going to win.”
Chimaev making a transition up to light heavyweight?
In August, Chimaev defeated Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision to claim the UFC middleweight title at UFC 319. The defending champion Du Plessis had very little to offer against the challenger Chimaev, in what was a complete mismatch. Chimaev scored 12 takedowns, and landed 529 total strikes, while Du Plessis managed to land just 45 strikes.
While there is no word on his next opponent, the UFC middleweight titleholder is aiming for “one more fight” at 185 pounds; before eyeing a move up to light heavyweight. Chimaev is intrigued by several matchups at middleweight, however, he believes that no fight would be bigger than a showdown with the undisputed UFC light heavyweight champion Pereira. Chimaev is ranked No. 4 in the UFC’s men’s pound-for-pound rankings, while Pereira is listed at No. 5.
“Just important thing that they pay good,” said Chimaev. “They gotta pay good for Alex (Pereira). Good pay-per-views, maybe they pay more money for that. Thats why I’m pushing for that. But in my weight class, whoever. There’s (Nassourdine) Imamov, there is (Sean) Strickland.”
