Former UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis doesn’t believe Khamzat Chimaev stands a chance if he moves up to face Alex Pereira at light heavyweight.
Du Plessis, who lost his belt to Chimaev via unanimous decision at UFC 319, says “Borz” is better off staying in his own division rather than chasing double-champ status against one of the most dangerous strikers in MMA history.
“I mean, he’s always had crazy callouts,” du Plessis told Fight Forecast. “Khamzat, there’s no way he beats Pereira, in my opinion.”
Chimaev recently called out Pereira following the Brazilian’s stunning 80-second TKO win over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, where “Poatan” reclaimed the light heavyweight title in dominant fashion.
While Chimaev has teased a jump to 205 pounds to challenge Pereira, du Plessis believes the size and power difference would be too much for the Chechen-born star to handle.
“I think Pereira right now is one of the greatest to ever do this sport, or any combat sport for that matter,” du Plessis said. “Even right now at light heavyweight, he looked so big against Ankalaev — it was crazy. There’s no realistic chance of that ever happening.”
After reclaiming his title, Alex Pereira has expressed interest in moving up to heavyweight for a potential super-fight with Jon Jones, possibly at the UFC White House event — making a Chimaev bout even less likely in the near future.
Still, if Chimaev continues his dominance at middleweight, the UFC could be tempted to book one of the biggest cross-division fights in recent memory.
⚡ Key Takeaways
- Dricus du Plessis says Khamzat Chimaev has “no chance” against Alex Pereira
- Chimaev wants to move up and fight for the light heavyweight title
- Pereira recently knocked out Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320
- Pereira could target Jon Jones next for a heavyweight superfight