Ex-rival warns Khamzat Chimaev on one scenario where Alex Pereira will ‘kill him’
Former UFC middleweight champion offers his thoughts on a potential fight between Alex Pereira and Khamzat Chimaev.
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Alex Pereira can neutralize Khamzat Chimaev, claims ex-champion (Image via UFC/Imago)
The UFC community has always favored exciting matchups and super fights. Recently, there have been reports of a potential super fight featuring top fighters Alex Pereira and Khamzat Chimaev. As news of this possibility spreads across the internet, it has captured the attention of prominent individuals within the UFC community.
Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev recently fought at UFC 308 and convincingly defeated former UFC champion Robert Whittaker. Months later, Whittaker spoke about the growing discussion surrounding a potential fight between Chimaev and Alex Pereira. In addition to sharing his thoughts, the former champion provided a detailed analysis of the potential matchup.
Let’s say hypothetically, Chimaev slows down, gases a little bit, Pereira won’t. He could strike asleep, dead tired… He’ll kill Chimaev in a stand-up. It won’t be like Usman-Chimaev fight where Usman was kind of outboxing him a little bit at that period when Chimaev got tired. It’ll be a slaughter.
Robert Whittaker via MMArcade podcast
Whittaker expressed confidence in Pereira’s ability to defeat Chimaev by referencing Borz’s fight against Kamaru Usman. During that match, the majority of the UFC community noticed that the Chechen fighter struggled in standup exchanges.
Despite these challenges, Chimaev won the fight due to his dominant wrestling and effective takedowns. However, unlike Usman, ‘The Reaper’ believes that Pereira will simply knock Chimaev out.
Robert Whittaker believes Khamzat Chimaev would beat Alex Pereira if they fought:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 20, 2024
“But let’s say hypothetically Chimaev slows down… [Pereira] will kill Chimaev in the standup.”
? @MMArcadePodcast #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/9JqtzJM2bK
In the current UFC roster, light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is arguably one of the most formidable strikers. Out of his 9 UFC fight wins the Brazilian fighter has achieved 7 victories by knocking out his opponents. Most recently at UFC 307, he left Khalil Rountree bloodied after delivering devastating blows to his face. Interestingly, even Chimaev is aware of Pereira’s exquisite striking abilities.
Khamzat Chimaev believes Alex Pereira is an ‘easier matchup’ for him
Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira and Khamzat Chimaev are currently two standout fighters in their respective divisions. Interestingly, they do not have a great camaraderie. Their rivalry began when Chimaev seemingly called out Pereira for a fight. In response, Poatan, who was the UFC middleweight champion at the time, dismissed Chimaev by labeling him an attention seeker.
The two fighters continued their ongoing rivalry while advancing their careers in the UFC. As both fighters gained prominence within the promotion, a potential matchup between Chimaev and Pereira became a frequent topic of discussion. Most recently, following his victory at UFC 308, the Chechen fighter expressed his thoughts on how he would perform against the Brazilian athlete in a possible fight.
I know stylistically this match for me is much easier than other guys. But in striking, I’m honest, I know the guy can knock me out. I know the guy is a good striker. One of the best guys, the hardest puncher, but I’m one of the grappler-based, wrestlers. He is not that.
Khamzat Chimaev to Michael Bisping
Khamzat Chimaev says that Alex Pereira is a good matchup for him, but recognizes the threat of a potential knockout:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 23, 2024
“I’ve always been open for [a fight against Alex]. I know stylistically this match for me is much easier than other guys.
But in striking, I’m honest. I know the… pic.twitter.com/FwBqot07U5
Pereira has recently been rumored to be facing Magomed Ankalaev in his next fight. However, the recent announcement of that fight being potentially canceled has left everyone uncertain about who Poatan will compete against next. Additionally, the Brazilian fighter hinted at a significant fight announcement last night. It will be intriguing to see if this is related to Chimaev.
Related: Alex Pereira Fight Record: How many defeats does “Poatan” have in his career?
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Nilaav Gogoi
(581 Articles Published)