Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Khamzat Chimaev Calls Out Alex Pereira and Reveals Ambitious Light Heavyweight Plans

Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

In a display of sheer dominance, Khamzat Chimaev captured the UFC middleweight title this past August at UFC 319, dismantling Dricus Du Plessis over five grueling rounds to claim the belt that had long seemed destined for him. Since bursting onto the scene in 2020, ‘Borz’ has been a force of nature, with fans buzzing about his potential to become the promotion’s first three-division champion. Just months after his victory, Chimaev is already charting an audacious path forward, hinting at a reign that’s as brief as it is explosive.

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Khamzat Chimaev Reveals His Limited Plan at Middleweight

Chimaev has laid out a clear blueprint for his time at 185 pounds: just one more fight before ascending to light heavyweight. In a recent ESPN MMA interview, he expressed enthusiasm for middleweight matchups, prioritizing lucrative fights that align with his ambitions. “These fights (at middleweight) don’t make me excited but I need to do my job. I need to make money, if there is a big name it is like, to make more money then I will be excited because if you get like $3 million for a fight, when you have a good name then you make $5-6 million,” he stated. “I need that kind of fight… But I want to, for sure, one more fight and then I’m gonna go one more weight class up. One more fight then I’ll move up to the next weight class.” Chimaev revealed.

🚨 Khamzat Chimaev says he's gonna have one more fight at middleweight and then move up to light heavyweight 👀👀

(via @espnmma) pic.twitter.com/kfbKKr8sZ8
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 8, 2025

Among multiple potential challengers, he spotlighted Nassourdine Imavov as a likely opponent for his first defense-just over a week ago. Yet, Chimaev harbors reservations due to their shared cultural ties. “He’s a good guy. We know each other. He’s from Dagestan… there gonna be a lot of drama. But if UFC wants it, I never gonna say no.” Despite the hesitation over the Chechen-Dagestani relationship, he’s open to the bout if the promotion pushes for it, underscoring his commitment to the job.

‼️Khamzat Chimaev says he doesn’t really want to fight Imavov

“He’s a good guy- if you ask me, I don’t want to fight this guy. He’s from Dagestan, there will be a lot of drama”

via @espnmma pic.twitter.com/JaGJcP9x1L
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) December 8, 2025

Chimaev’s Heated Callout of Alex Pereira

Fresh off reclaiming the 205-pound crown at UFC 320, Alex Pereira drew an immediate challenge from Chimaev, igniting an online fued that’s simmered ever since. Borz didn’t hold back after Pereira reportedly rejected the matchup, unleashing a series of trash talk. “UFC don’t want to give this guy to me. He said he can fight with Du Plessis, but now he’s saying he’s more famous than me. If I say ‘hi’ on my story on Instagram I get more views than his fight. I can’t say the things UFC says to me, it’s gonna be not respect for Alex. Everyone knows this guy’s not my level.”

Khamzat Chimaev went IN on Alex Pereira after he rejected his call out 😳

"UFC don't want to give this guy for me. He said he can fight with Du Plessis, but now he's saying he's more famous than me. If I say 'hi' on my story on Instagram I get more views than his fight.

I can't… pic.twitter.com/q4xrHjlh3X
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 8, 2025

The Massive Stakes of Khamzat Chimaev vs Alex Pereira

A clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Alex Pereira could rank as one of the biggest fights in UFC history, pitting two of the sport’s brightest stars against each other in a blockbuster showdown. Their contrasting styles, Pereira’s devastating striking prowess as ‘Poatan’ versus Chimaev’s unparalleled grappling dominance as ‘Borz’, promises a great bout, with knockout power against suffocating ground game.

With both men at the peak of their fame, the bout’s global draw would be undeniable, potentially shattering pay-per-view records and captivating fans worldwide.

Khamzat Chimaev Brushes Off Ian Garry

In a lighter vein, Chimaev turned his sights to welterweight contender Ian Garry, whom he credits and dismisses for rising on his coattails. “We make him famous. He tastes like my cappuccino. It will be so sweet if I get the fight with him.”

Khamzat Chimaev on Ian Garry:

"We make him famous. He tastes like my cappuccino. It will be so sweet if I get the fight with him." 😭

(via @espnmma) pic.twitter.com/11ZepmXnEP
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 8, 2025

Garry and Chimaev previously were involved in a backstage confrontation, where the middleweight champ pushed Garry and it is not know if Chimaev was provoked. However, it is clear that the champ has little to no interest in a potential fight.

Alex Pereira

Khamzat Chimaev

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