Middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev has set his sights on another divisional move, this time calling for a light heavyweight title fight with Alex Pereira. Chimaev, who recently secured a close decision win over Kamaru Usman, is determined to prove himself in the light heavyweight category. The undefeated middleweight contender has urged UFC CEO Dana White to book a bout between him and Pereira, vowing to finish the Brazilian.
Chimaev, currently ranked number eight in the middleweight division, co-headlined UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where he emerged victorious over former undisputed welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Meanwhile, Pereira headlined UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden, earning himself the undisputed light heavyweight title with a second-round knockout victory over Jiri Prochakza.
Following his win over Usman, Chimaev initially called for a middleweight title fight against Sean Strickland. However, a hand ligament injury has forced him to put that plan on hold. In the meantime, the UFC has scheduled an undisputed middleweight title fight between Chimaev and rising star Dricus du Plessis for UFC 297 in January next year.
Despite facing setbacks in his welterweight weight cut, Chimaev has decided to shift his focus to a new division climb. Last year, a planned fight with Nate Diaz was cancelled due to weight-related issues. Now, Chimaev is determined to finish Pereira in a future title fight. Taking to his official X account, he posted a picture of himself and Pereira, urging Dana White to make the matchup happen.
As for Pereira, he is expected to make his first title defense in 2024 against Jamahal Hill, a former champion and Dana White’s Contender Series alum. Sao Paulo’s finisher, Pereira, is looking to solidify his status as the light heavyweight champion.
In conclusion, middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev has called for a light heavyweight title fight with Alex Pereira. With his recent win over Kamaru Usman, Chimaev is determined to prove his worth in another weight class. While waiting for his hand injury to heal, he has set up a middleweight title fight with Dricus du Plessis. However, Chimaev is eager to step into the light heavyweight division and finish Pereira. The ball is in UFC CEO Dana White’s court to make this exciting matchup happen.
