New UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev already has his sights set on a second belt — and he believes Alex Pereira is the perfect opponent.
Just weeks after dominating Dricus Du Plessis to win the UFC middleweight title at UFC 319, Chimaev is calling for another massive challenge: a light heavyweight title fight against Alex Pereira.
Pereira, meanwhile, just reclaimed his 205-pound belt with a stunning 80-second TKO victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, cementing his position as one of the most dangerous strikers in the world.
Speaking on the Badaev Podcast, Chimaev made it clear he’s not afraid of Pereira’s knockout power and sees the matchup as one that strongly favors him.
“If you ask me, of course I would love to fight for the second belt,” Chimaev said. “The guy who’s got the belt at 205 pounds now is a very good matchup for me, except if I get reckless standing with him. They say he has a lot of power, but I’ve never been edged out in that area.”
Chimaev continued:
“He used to fight at 185 too and then moved up to 205. So I would like to fight at light heavyweight.”
While Chimaev is open to defending his middleweight belt next, the UFC superstar says money and legacy will determine what comes next.
“Whether they give me Nassourdine, de Ridder, or Hernandez, I don’t care,” Chimaev said. “Just pay me some good money. If you consider yourself the best, you shouldn’t care who you have to fight.”
With Chimaev hungry for another belt and Pereira riding high off another knockout win, the potential clash between these two powerhouse fighters could be one of the biggest UFC events in recent years.