Khamzat Chimaev Vs. Alex Pereira – How Does It Play Out?

Fresh off his middleweight title win over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev is already setting his sights on two-division glory, publicly pursuing a bout against Light Heavyweight champ Alex Pereira. 

Chimaev, who beat Du Plessis in August to seize the 185-pound belt, continues to chase the big names. While he could face Nassourdine Imavov, Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland, history is on his mind. Pereira, who recaptured the 205-pound title by stopping Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 this month, is focused on securing an even more lucrative and legacy-defining bout: a move to the heavyweight division to face Jon Jones. Pereira has openly called for this showdown at the UFC White House event in June 2026. This creates a major logistical hurdle for Chimaev, but that has not stopped him. 

The Approach

Chimaev’s path to victory is clear: exploit Pereira’s known vulnerability to wrestling and grappling. The Middleweight champion must immediately close the distance using, feints, and chain wrestling. An example of this approach would be a high-pace in the opening seconds. Chimaev’s primary objective would be to secure the takedown, not necessarily with a single shot, but through sheer persistence—chaining double-leg attempts into body locks, trips, and mat returns. Once on the ground, Chimaev’s strategy would shift to heavy top pressure and relentless ground-and-pound, as seen in his dominant win over Kevin Holland.

Pereira’s sole objective is to maintain distance and land a fight-ending blow, trusting his striking to counter Chimaev’s forward aggression. Alex has a significant physical frame for the light heavyweight division and must utilize his reach advantage with sharp jabs and low kicks to keep Chimaev on the outside. The Brazilian cannot afford to be trapped against the fence, where his takedown defense has been breached before. His best counter-striking opportunity will come when Chimaev is committed to a takedown, opening up a potential standing guillotine choke.