TJ Dillashaw Rules Out Alex Pereira’s Chances Against Khamzat Chimaev 

UFC legend TJ Dillashaw talks about Khamzat Chimaev potentially fighting Alex Pereira in a champion vs. champion bout.

TJ Dillashaw Rules Out Alex Pereira’s Chances Against Khamzat Chimaev 

TJ Dillashaw doesn't think Alex Pereira can beat Khamzat Chimaev (via X)

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It has been several months since Khamzat Chimaev defeated Dricus Du Plessis to become the new UFC middleweight champion. Since then, there have been no official updates regarding who will fight next against the Chechen fighter. However, Chimaev has consistently called out UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira for a potential fight.

Chimaev has been calling out Pereira for a long time, mocking him repeatedly through social media posts and several interviews. In a recent podcast appearance, TJ Dillashaw and the host discussed the possibility of Chimaev fighting Pereira. During the conversation, the former bantamweight champion backed Chimaev to absolutely dominate Pereira in that matchup.

Khamzat would run through Alex Pereira. Run through. Stylistically, he runs through [Alex Pereira]. He can’t [defend his takedowns]. He can try.

TJ Dillashaw via Jaxxon Podcast

Alex Pereira is well known for his striking prowess and has knocked out top fighters like Israel Adesanya and others. ‘Poatan’ has hands of stone and remains dangerous enough to beat almost anybody, even when he gets dominated early. However, the Brazilian star has never truly been tested against elite, relentless wrestlers like Khamzat Chimaev inside the octagon.

At UFC 313, Pereira was able to defend all takedowns from Magomed Ankalaev, but the wrestling threat clearly affected his striking rhythm. That grappling pressure forced Pereira to hesitate more, limiting his usual aggression and altering the flow. According to Chimaev, his wrestling dominance alone would be enough to defeat Pereira convincingly in a potential clash.

Since his UFC debut, Chimaev has shown why he is considered the best wrestler on the current UFC roster. The fighter dominated opponents like Robert Whittaker and Kevin Holland with incredible pressure and elite submission skills throughout fights. In his last outing against Du Plessis, ‘Borz’ controlled the former champion for an impressive total of 21 minutes.

Although many fans considered the performance boring, experts praised Chimaev for his dominance, control, and relentless grappling approach. When discussing the weight difference, Chimaev does not believe it would be a difficult challenge against Pereira. However, the Brazilian has shown no interest in this matchup and appears focused on entirely different plans moving forward.

UFC CEO isn’t convinced about Alex Pereira fighting at the White House event 

Following his last title win, Alex Pereira has repeatedly called out Jon Jones, pushing for a massive heavyweight clash. Pereira, one of the biggest names in the UFC, believes a fight with Jones at the White House will be huge. The fighter recently went viral after training with Jon Jones’ name written on a tyre during intense sessions.

Alex Pereira vs. Jon Jones
Alex Pereira vs. Jon Jones (via X)

The footage quickly circulated online, further fueling speculation and excitement surrounding a potential super fight between them. In response, Jones reminded Pereira of the many Brazilian fighters he has dominated. Dana White was also asked about this clash for the White House event, and the CEO shared his only concern regarding the matchmaking. 

That would be a fight, but can I count on Jon Jones? I can’t have Jon Jones doing something bad or pulling out of the White House fight.

Dana White via Complex 

Jon Jones has shared a volatile relationship with the UFC and Dana White, marked by controversies, withdrawals, and constant tension. Jones once pulled out of UFC 295 ahead of his scheduled fight with Stipe Miocic, creating uncertainty around the event. Coincidentally, it was Alex Pereira who stepped in as the main event with a crucial light heavyweight title fight.

This time, however, Jones appears motivated and eager to compete in front of top United States government VIPs. Nevertheless, it remains interesting to see whether Dana White ultimately approves this high-profile matchup.

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