Newly minted UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev, still basking in the glow of his recent coronation, has wasted no time in setting his sights on an even grander prize: a second championship belt. His target? The fearsome Light Heavyweight king, Alex “Poatan” Pereira. While “Borz” exudes his characteristic unshakeable confidence, he offers a rare glimpse into his strategic mind, acknowledging a very specific and singular threat Pereira poses.
Chimaev, whose undefeated record and relentless style have made him one of the sport`s most compelling figures, views a clash with the Brazilian striker as a “very good matchup.” This isn`t just bravado; it`s a calculated assessment from a fighter known for his dominant grappling and surprising striking dexterity. However, in a candid admission, Chimaev revealed the narrow window through which Pereira could potentially hand him his first professional loss.
Borz`s Calculated Confidence: Acknowledging the Striking Anomaly
The Chechen-born Swede’s confidence stems from his wrestling pedigree, a foundational skill that has stifled nearly every opponent he’s faced. He foresees a path to victory against Pereira that likely involves taking the fight to the canvas, neutralizing the “Poatan” threat where it is weakest. Yet, even the seemingly invincible Chimaev understands the unique danger Pereira brings to the Octagon.
According to Chimaev, Pereira`s only viable route to victory lies in exploiting a moment of recklessness in the stand-up exchanges. “If you ask me, of course, I would love to fight for the second belt,” Chimaev stated. “It’s not a secret, the guy (Alex Pereira) who has got the belt at 205lbs now is a very good matchup for me — expect if I should get reckless standing with him.” This isn`t fear, but a pragmatic recognition of Pereira`s almost mythical knockout power, a force that has flattened champions in two divisions.
The “Poatan” Problem: Pereira`s Lethal, Game-Changing Power
Alex Pereira, a former two-division GLORY Kickboxing champion and now a two-division UFC champion, has built a legacy on devastating power. His left hook has become synonymous with instant lights-out. “They say he has a lot of power,” Chimaev remarked, with a hint of an understated acknowledgment. “But I’ve never been edged out in that area.” While Chimaev has never truly been tested by a striker of Pereira`s caliber in a prolonged stand-up battle, dismissing the “Poatan” factor would be a grave error – one Chimaev seems keen to avoid.
The potential matchup represents the quintessential grappler vs. striker dynamic at the highest level. Chimaev’s ability to close distance, secure takedowns, and control opponents on the ground is a stark contrast to Pereira’s long-range striking, brutal leg kicks, and concussive punches. The dance between these two titans would be a chess match played at breakneck speed, with one wrong move potentially leading to either a suffocating submission or a spectacular knockout.
Dana White`s Pragmatic Stance: Middleweight First
While the prospect of Khamzat Chimaev challenging Alex Pereira for the Light Heavyweight title is undoubtedly a fan-pleaser and a marketer`s dream, UFC CEO Dana White has a more immediate and pragmatic vision for his new middleweight king. White has made it clear that champions looking to ascend to a new weight class must first relinquish their current title. This policy ensures divisional integrity and keeps the championship belts active.
Chimaev’s middleweight reign has just begun, and the division is teeming with legitimate contenders vying for a shot at “Borz.” From established veterans to rising stars, the 185-pound landscape offers a plethora of compelling matchups. White is keen to see Chimaev defend his newly acquired gold, suggesting matchups against “any combination of contenders.” The UFC’s priority is to solidify Chimaev`s reign at middleweight before entertaining cross-divisional super fights.
The Dream Fight on the Horizon: A Matter of When, Not If?
Despite White`s insistence on middleweight defenses, the allure of a Chimaev vs. Pereira super fight remains potent. Both fighters have demonstrated an exceptional willingness to challenge themselves and captivate audiences. Chimaev`s expressed desire to fight at light heavyweight (“I would like to fight at light heavyweight”) signals his long-term ambition, an ambition that aligns perfectly with a future showdown against “Poatan.”
For now, fans will have to patiently await the unfolding of the middleweight division, watching to see how Chimaev handles the gauntlet of contenders. Yet, the seeds of a legendary clash have been sown. Khamzat Chimaev has laid out his game plan for Alex Pereira, acknowledging the singular, terrifying power of “Poatan.” The question is no longer if these two titans will meet, but when, and under what circumstances, will the Octagon finally contain their contrasting, explosive styles?
Gareth Fenton