Khamzat Chimaev Agrees to Bulk Up for Alex Pereira Heavyweight Super Fight

UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is ready to take on new 205-pound champion Alex Pereira, irrespective of the weight class.

Khamzat Chimaev Agrees to Bulk Up for Alex Pereira Heavyweight Super Fight

Khamzat Chimaev wants to move to the heavyweight division to fight Alex Pereira (via X)

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Last night at UFC 320, Alex Pereira stunned everyone by defeating Magomed Ankalaev and reclaiming his light heavyweight title. Despite entering the fight as the underdog, the Brazilian displayed immense confidence and dominated the Russian with his striking performance.

Following the victory, ‘Poatan’ celebrated passionately inside the Octagon before receiving an unexpected callout from middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev. A few months ago, Chimaev captured the middleweight championship by defeating Dricus Du Plessis, fulfilling his long-awaited dream.

After Pereira’s recent win, Chimaev congratulated him but also urged the Brazilian to finally settle their rivalry inside the Octagon. However, Pereira dismissed the idea, revealing he’s more focused on a potential move up to the heavyweight division next. Despite that, the ‘Borz’ remained undeterred and expressed his willingness to jump two divisions to face Pereira.

I’m ready to fight you in the heavyweight, you won’t find a super fight than our fight no chama this is SMASH EVERYBODY.

Khamzat Chimaev via X 

Chimaev has repeatedly stated that his dominant wrestling style gives him a strong advantage against Pereira if they ever fight. He also acknowledges Pereira’s terrifying power and understands that one mistake could end his night instantly against the knockout specialist. However, before chasing that challenge, Chimaev will likely face elite contenders like Nassourdine Imavov and Reinier de Ridder soon.

At 38, Alex Pereira realizes his fighting career is nearing its end, so he’s focused on securing massive, legacy-defining superfights. The Brazilian suggested that a showdown with former heavyweight champion Jon Jones at the White House event would be ideal. Jones and Pereira previously discussed fighting before Pereira lost his title, but now the matchup seems possible once again.

Jon Jones has consistently pushed for a fight at the White House, though UFC CEO Dana White has frequently dismissed the idea. This hesitation likely stems from Jones’ sudden retirement announcement earlier this year, which canceled his planned superfight against Tom Aspinall.

Dana White has also opposed Pereira’s move to heavyweight, preferring him to face top rising contenders in the light heavyweight division. However, he also admitted he’s open to discussions if Pereira’s proposed jump to heavyweight appears financially promising for the UFC.

UFC heavyweight champion reacts to Alex Pereira’s win at UFC 320

Heading into the fight, Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev exchanged heated words that further intensified their already established rivalry. The Russian had promised to knock out Pereira, but shockingly crumbled early during the Brazilian’s striking exchange. Although some fans argued that the referee’s stoppage seemed slightly premature, neither Ankalaev nor his corner protested the final outcome.

Alex Pereira beats Magomed Ankalaev
Alex Pereira beats Magomed Ankalaev (via X)

After his victory, Alex Pereira walked straight toward Ankalaev, shouting “Chama!” in his face to mock the defeated Russian’s team. Pereira’s dominant performance drew widespread praise from fellow fighters and even impressed current heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. The UK native posted his live reaction online, hinting at a potential future heavyweight clash with the newly crowned 205-lbs champ. 

What is that? One minute, 20 [seconds] or something like that? Pereira just absolutely ran through him. Look, I was wrong. I was wrong. That’s very, very, very impressive. Who’s next for Pereira? See what he wants to do. [Carlos] Ulberg has just won. Ulberg’s very good. I know he’s been talking about coming to heavyweight, so see what the UFC wants to do.

Tom Aspinall via his YouTube 

Before UFC 320, Aspinall predicted Ankalaev would defeat Alex Pereira, citing the Russian’s superior wrestling pedigree and control as a major advantage. He also criticized Pereira’s UFC journey, arguing the promotion gave him favorable stylistic matchups that played perfectly into his strengths.

In response, Pereira dismissed Aspinall’s remarks as baseless nonsense due to always having inferior grappling credentials due to his kickboxing background. Now, after the UFC 320 title win, ‘Poatan’ could face Aspinall if the promotion wants to book that fight. With superstars like Aspinall and Khamzat Chimaev targeting Pereira, fans await UFC’s decision regarding the knockout sensation’s next opponent.

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