UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has downplayed Khamzat Chimaev’s call for a fight.
Chimaev, who holds a perfect record of 13-0 MMA and 7-0 UFC, is challenging Pereira (9-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) after his victory over Jiri Prochazka to claim the vacant belt at UFC 295. Chimaev had initially called out Israel Adesanya, but Pereira is expected to defend his title against former champion Jamahal Hill.
Chimaev recently secured a narrow decision win over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294. Pereira responded to Chimaev’s callout, mentioning his previous interest in fighting him.
Pereira mentioned, “It all started after the Adesanya fight when I became middleweight champion. Chimaev approached me directly and expressed his desire to fight me and take my belt. Initially, I suggested fighting at light heavyweight, but he declined. Now that I’m the champion in that weight class, he’s showing interest, which seems to be a way to capitalize on the hype.”
Pereira also criticized Chimaev’s recent actions through a social media post.
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