The global MMA community is buzzing with excitement following rumors that Alex Pereira may be in discussions to fight Khamzat Chimaev for his upcoming UFC light heavyweight title defense.
Although this rumor has yet to be officially confirmed by either fighter’s team, Pereira has fueled the speculation by stating that his next title fight “will not be [against] Ankalaev.”
Earlier this week, UFC fans were surprised to hear rumors surfacing on social media that Pereira’s next title fight might not be against Magomed Ankalaev, as many had predicted, but rather against Khamzat Chimaev.
As debates erupted among fans regarding the potential matchup, Pereira took to his social media to hint at dismissing Magomed Ankalaev as his opponent, further intensifying the speculation surrounding a fight with Chimaev.
Former heavyweight contender Brendan Shaub reacted to the rumors on Instagram, sharing the initial post and exclaiming, “No F***** way, anyone know if this is for real? Take. My. Money.”
The buzz even reached Robert Whittaker, the former middleweight champion, who stated his belief that Chimaev would indeed come out on top in a hypothetical matchup against Pereira.
Whittaker mentioned, “I saw a rumor that Chimaev might go up and fight Pereira – imagine that… Chimaev [wins] easily – maybe not easily – but Chimaev [wins] though… Unless the heavyweight strength changes his dynamic, Chimaev would get the takedown. He’s good at what he does and that plays into his strengths.”
He also noted, “But let’s say hypothetically, Chimaev slows down and gasses a little bit, Pereira won’t, and he can strike in his sleep… He’ll kill Chimaev in the standup; it won’t be like that Usman-Chimaev fight where Usman was out-boxing him, it’d be a slaughter.”
A match between Chimaev and Pereira would certainly take many fans by surprise, although the two competitors have a history of calling each other out.
In 2023, Chimaev labeled Pereira a “scared boy” and reiterated his eagerness to take on Poatan before his previous fight at UFC 308.
Chimaev remarked, “I know stylistically, this match for me is much easier than for other guys,” while acknowledging Pereira’s striking ability and strength, “I am honest, the guy could knock me out. I know he’s a good striker, one of the best who has the hardest punches, [but] I am one of the best wrestlers and he is not.”
MMA fans have expressed a wide variety of opinions regarding the rumored Pereira versus Chimaev showdown.
Comments on social media reflect this divide, with one fan declaring, “That would be massive — and gotta say I do not see how Pereira can stand Khamzat takedowns.” Another added, “This would be CRAZY if this is real & actually something that happens!”
Conversely, many fans argue that the matchup doesn’t make sense from either a divisional or promotional perspective.
One user boldly stated, “This makes absolutely no sense for anyone involved,” while another noted the complexity of the situation, saying, “That is worth ducking Ankalaev, gives me conflicting feelings.”
