Fresh from a dominant performance that saw him seize the middleweight championship, Khamzat Chimaev, the undefeated force known as `Borz`, isn`t one to rest on his laurels. Barely weeks after his coronation, Chimaev has already set his sights on another formidable challenge: Alex Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion. This isn`t just a casual call-out; Chimaev has meticulously outlined what he believes to be Pereira’s singular path to victory, highlighting a confidence that borders on prophetic.
Chimaev`s Calculated Confidence: Pereira`s “Only Chance”
The prospect of Khamzat Chimaev clashing with Alex Pereira is a tantalizing one for fight fans. Pereira, a man forged in the fires of kickboxing and wielding a knockout power revered across two divisions, presents a unique puzzle. Yet, Chimaev, with an unblemished professional record, remains unshaken. According to `Borz`, the `Poatan` has but one route to success against him: a lapse in Chimaev`s own discipline.
“If you ask me, of course, I would love to fight for the second belt,” Chimaev stated in a recent interview. “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 statement isn`t just bravado; it’s a strategic assessment. Chimaev acknowledges Pereira`s fearsome striking prowess, conceding that getting drawn into a purely stand-up slugfest without caution could be his undoing. It`s a testament to Pereira`s reputation that even a fighter as self-assured as Chimaev recognizes the immense power in the Brazilian`s hands. “They say he has a lot of power,” Chimaev mused, “But I’ve never been edged out in that area.” Such a declaration sets the stage for a potential clash of styles: Chimaev`s suffocating grappling and relentless pressure against Pereira`s explosive, fight-ending strikes.
The Allure of Gold: A Two-Division Dream
Chimaev`s ambition extends beyond simply defeating Pereira; it`s about claiming a second divisional crown. Having started his UFC journey at welterweight, then conquering the middleweight division, the leap to light heavyweight seems a natural, albeit audacious, progression for `Borz`. Interestingly, Pereira himself made a similar journey, moving from middleweight to light heavyweight, suggesting a precedent for such a transition.
“He used to fight at 185 [pounds], too, and then he moved up to 205 [pounds]. So, I would like to fight at light heavyweight,” Chimaev noted, observing the parallel paths. This quest for multi-divisional glory is a common thread among the sport`s elite, a testament to their desire to etch their names deeper into the annals of MMA history. However, the path to simultaneous two-division championship status has recently become significantly more convoluted.
Dana White`s Policy: A Roadblock to Dual Dominance?
While UFC CEO Dana White is historically receptive to fighters chasing multiple titles, a recent policy shift might complicate Chimaev`s immediate aspirations. White has now stipulated that any champion wishing to pursue a title in another weight class must first relinquish their current belt. This new mandate is a clear attempt to prevent divisions from becoming stagnant while champions explore other opportunities, ensuring a clear succession line for contenders.
This policy places Chimaev in an intriguing predicament. Having just claimed the middleweight strap with a commanding victory over Dricus du Plessis, a host of eager contenders await their shot at `Borz` in the 185-pound division. Dana White himself has expressed a desire to see Chimaev actively defend his middleweight title, potentially against any number of rising stars. The upcoming UFC Vancouver main event, for instance, could produce a compelling challenger. Would Chimaev be willing to vacate his hard-won middleweight belt for a shot at Pereira`s light heavyweight gold? Or will he first consolidate his reign at 185 pounds?
The Unwritten Chapter
The potential clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Alex Pereira is a narrative rich with intrigue, strategic depth, and the raw ambition of two of the sport`s most compelling figures. Chimaev`s confidence, bordering on an almost tactical disdain for his opponent`s non-knockout abilities, sets a fascinating premise. Yet, the bureaucratic realities of the UFC, embodied by Dana White`s new policy, add a layer of complexity. Will Chimaev`s audacious pursuit of a second belt be realized swiftly, or will he first be tasked with proving his undisputed dominance in the middleweight division? Only time, and the strategic maneuvering of `Borz` and the UFC brass, will tell.
Marcus Bellamy 
Connor Westbrook