New York: UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has launched a scathing attack on light heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira, claiming the Brazilian is actively avoiding a potential super fight. Chimaev, who won the middleweight belt in August, has made it clear he intends to defend it once before moving up to the 205-pound division—with Pereira firmly in his sights.
Speaking to ESPN MMA, Chimaev insisted the matchup heavily favors him and believes the UFC is hesitant to book the fight.
“Everyone knows it’s a good fight for me. The UFC knows that, but they don’t want to give me this guy,” Chimaev said.
Chimaev Fires Back at Pereira’s Comments
Chimaev reacted strongly to Pereira’s past remarks suggesting he would face him only in jiu-jitsu or grappling.
“This is UFC. We’re UFC fighters. Don’t talk about jiu-jitsu or wrestling somewhere else,” the Chechen champion said.
“Now he’s saying he’s more famous than me. Bro, if I just say ‘hi’ on Instagram, I get more views than his entire fight.”
Chimaev also criticized Pereira for accepting a fight with Dricus Du Plessis instead of him.
“Why accept Du Plessis and not me? I destroyed that guy for five rounds,” Chimaev questioned.
“He says I’m not famous. Was Du Plessis famous?”
Chimaev Responds to Glover Teixeira
The middleweight champion didn’t hold back when addressing comments made by Pereira’s head coach and former UFC champion Glover Teixeira, who suggested the two could confront each other outside a hotel.
“Bro, I don’t need a hotel. You have a UFC contract—fight me in the Octagon,” Chimaev said.
“If you want a real fight, the UFC is where we do business.”
Claims Pereira Is Avoiding the Fight
Chimaev made it clear he believes Pereira is avoiding the matchup due to stylistic disadvantages.
“I don’t think he wants that fight. Everyone knows he’s not on my level,” Chimaev stated.
“He’s a great striker, one of the best, and I respect that. But ask 99% of UFC fans who wins this fight—they’ll tell you.”
According to Chimaev, this is the primary reason the Brazilian prefers other opponents.
“He knows it. That’s why he’s running away,” Chimaev concluded.
As speculation builds, UFC fans await whether the promotion will book one of the most talked-about potential super fights of 2026.
