Craig Kidwell-Imagn Images

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Alex Pereira predicted by UFC legends with shock take on fantasy fight

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Ross Markey | Last updated Oct 30, 2025 1:37 PM ET

Forever linked with a host of fantasy matchups, Hall of Fame star Khabib Nurmagomedov has now been pitted against Brazilian berserker Alex Pereira.

Taking on his fair share of Octagon stars during his impeccable run in the UFC, the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov most famously shared the cage with Conor McGregor.

But in the time since his rivalry, the Russian has been linked with a host of fantasy pairings, including clashes with the likes of Georges St-Pierre, as well as Stockton fan-favorite Nate Diaz.

However, in a fresh dream match, two of Nurmagomedov’s close associates have questioned his chances in a fantasy clash with light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira.

Khabib Nurmagomedov picked for ‘obvious’ win over Alex Pereira

A career lightweight, Nurmagomedov failed to ever make good on a long-mooted move to the welterweight limit.

However, when discussing a potential move to middleweight for the Russian icon, stablemate Henry Cejudo and fellow former pound-for-pound leader Kamaru Usman floated a matchup with Pereira.

As far as the Auchi native is concerned, too, Nurmagomedov would turn in a dominant win over Pereira — with relative ease, it seems.

“Obviously, Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Usman said on the Pound-4-Pound matchup when asked to predict a fantasy fight with Pereira.

“I think he (Nurmagomedov) could win a title at 185lbs, even being a 155 pounder,” Cejudo claimed.

Alex Pereira accused of rejecting fight with welterweight star

Taking on all comers to his light heavyweight throne during his first title reign, former middleweight champion Pereira came under fire this week from a divisional star.

During his initial rise in the Octagon, the Brazilian would ply his trade at 185lbs, chasing another fight with veteran rival Israel Adesanya.

However, en route to a third career matchup with the City Kickboxing star, Pereira was accused of rejecting the chance to take on a then-welterweight star who had just turned in a knockout win for the ages.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: