One former UFC titleholder believes that Khamzat Chimaev has the potential to dethrone the current light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira.
Rumors have been circulating since Pereira stated on social media that Magomed Ankalaev will not be his next title challenger. Speculation suggests that Chimaev might move up from 185 pounds to challenge Pereira for the title at light heavyweight.
Whether or not these rumors hold any truth is still uncertain, but Robert Whittaker already has his predictions for the outcome of such a fight.
RELATED: ALEX PEREIRA CLAIMS HIS NEXT FIGHT “WON’T” BE AGAINST MAGOMED ANKALAEV
During a recent episode of the MMArcade Podcast, Robert Whittaker shared his thoughts on who would emerge victorious in the anticipated clash between Alex Pereira and Khamzat Chimaev.
“Chimaev, easily,” Whittaker stated, although he quickly added, “Not easily, Chimaev though.”
Whittaker acknowledged Chimaev’s grappling skills but also emphasized the importance of Pereira’s striking ability.
“He’s [Chimaev] good at what he does,” Whittaker explained. “He plays into his strengths, but let’s say, hypothetically, Chimaev slows down and gases a little bit; Pereira won’t. He can strike asleep, dead tired. The dude’s been doing it his whole life. He’ll kill Chimaev in the standup. It won’t be like that Usman-Chimaev fight where Usman was kind of outboxing him a little bit at that period where Chimaev got tired. It’ll be a slaughter, but does it go that far?”
Time will reveal what the UFC has in store if Pereira vs. Ankalaev isn’t the next light heavyweight title fight. Updates will be provided as more details about the 205-pound title picture emerge.
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