Daniel Cormier Highlights Major Hiccup for Khamzat Chimaev in Pursuit of Alex Pereira Fight

UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier comments on Khamzat Chimaev vs. Alex Pereira fight rumors.

Daniel Cormier Highlights Major Hiccup for Khamzat Chimaev in Pursuit of Alex Pereira Fight

Daniel Cormier believes Alex Pereira would be too much for Khamzat Chimaev (via X)

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A few weeks ago at UFC 320, Alex Pereira recaptured the light heavyweight title with a victory over Magomed Ankalaev. Following the win, the Brazilian was unexpectedly called out by current middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, leaving fans stunned. While ‘Borz’ appears determined to face Pereira, there are significant challenges and logistical hurdles in making that high-stakes fight.

After being called out by Chimaev, Pereira stated that he’s only interested in superfights and might even move to heavyweight. Chimaev, known for his fearless attitude, responded by saying he’s ready to jump two weight classes just to face Pereira. During a recent podcast, UFC legend Daniel Cormier analyzed the potential matchup and confidently predicted that Pereira would win.

That’s a tough fight to choose between the two. But man, size has to matter at some point. It might not matter from 170 to 185, but it’s got to matter when you start jumping 20 lbs.

Daniel Cormier via The Good Guy/Bad Guy Show

Chael Sonnen shared a similar view, emphasizing the massive size difference between Chimaev and the much larger Pereira. ‘Borz’ has repeatedly claimed that his wrestling skills would be enough to challenge Pereira and control the fight. However, Sonnen argued that regardless of Chimaev’s strength, keeping Pereira down and wrestling him for five full rounds would be difficult.

Alex Pereira began his UFC journey as a middleweight before moving up and becoming the light heavyweight champion. He is known for walking around at nearly 230 pounds on fight nights, giving him tremendous power behind his devastating strikes. Chimaev aims to secure a second UFC title and fully understands the incredible knockout threat posed by Pereira’s power. 

Apart from this, Chimaev is also ready to defend his middleweight belt against top contenders like Nassourdine Imavov and Reinier de Ridder. It would be interesting to see what the UFC thinks will be the best for the undefeated Russian superstar.

Alex Pereira comments on fighting in the UFC heavyweight division 

The long-anticipated super fight between Alex Pereira and Jon Jones had been discussed for months. However, Pereira’s unexpected loss to Magomed Ankalaev temporarily derailed those grand plans and shifted the focus. Soon after, Jones officially announced his retirement, which many critics viewed as an attempt to avoid fighting Tom Aspinall.

Alex Pereira wants Jon Jones at the White House event
Alex Pereira wants Jon Jones at the White House event (via X)

Recently, following the announcement of the historic White House UFC event, Jones revealed his intentions to return to active competition. Pereira has since expressed his strong desire to face Jones in the heavyweight division at that monumental event. In a recent interview, Pereira was also questioned about fighting Aspinall, and he responded with straightforward clarity regarding his stance.

I wanted to stay in my weight class because I care about my health. But I’m 38 years old now, and I’ve got to think about my career too. Like Jon Jones said, ‘Alex is much more important.’ I’m on the same page as him. We’re both big names. If I lose, if he loses, nobody really loses. It’s all good.

Alex Pereira via Connect Cast 

Aspinall has also expressed a strong interest in facing Alex Pereira, believing it would be one of UFC’s biggest crossover fights. He mentioned that his wrestling and grappling skills would help neutralize Pereira’s incredible knockout power inside the heavyweight division. Currently, the reigning heavyweight champion is set to defend his belt against Ciryl Gane in a highly anticipated UFC 321 bout.

Meanwhile, UFC CEO Dana White has made it clear he doesn’t want Pereira leaving light heavyweight without defending his title at least two more times. Despite White’s reluctance, the massive financial potential of a Pereira versus Jones or Aspinall fight makes it difficult to ignore.

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