Alex Pereira’s mentor calls out Khamzat Chimaev over shocking sparring claim

After finishing his run as light heavyweight champion, Teixeira found new life as a coach. His most significant impact has come through his work with Alex Pereira, helping guide ‘Poatan’ to a remarkable career in the UFC.

On the UFC Glory Days podcast, Teixeira spoke about the middleweight champion, as talk of a future matchup between Pereira and Chimaev picks up.

While he praised much of what Chimaev has accomplished, there was one aspect that stood out to him for the wrong reasons.

“He’s great, he’s great. I like the way he talks and he backs it up. He comes back and shows. He’s an amazing fighter.

“If I have to say one thing that I don’t like about Chimaev is like, I see him sometimes spar with guys – he beats the s— out of people, you know, that are not on his level.

“But he’s an amazing fighter, and he’s good on the microphone too,” Teixeira concluded.

Alex Pereira dismisses Khamzat Chimaev’s callout

Since reclaiming the light heavyweight title at UFC 320, Pereira has been vocal about his next move. He has set his sights on a heavyweight clash with Jon Jones, which led him to turn down another high-profile challenge.

Chimaev, fresh off his own win in Las Vegas, called out ‘Poatan’ for a fight at 205 pounds. But the Brazilian was not interested.

Pereira responded in his post-fight press conference: “Thanks for congratulating me but all I want is a superfight.

“I wanna fight at heavyweight but all I can say is thank you.”