
via Imago
Image Credits: Imago

via Imago
Image Credits: Imago
Khamzat Chimaev secured a win against Kamaru Usman at UFC 294, earning him a shot at the middleweight title. However, that chance has now been given to Dricus Du Plessis, the number 2 ranked contender in the division. As such, Chimaev has set his sights on a different title, in a higher weight class. But the newly crowned king of the light-heavyweight division recently clapped back at Chimaev’s callout!
Alex Pereira became the UFC light heavyweight champion at UFC 295. ‘Poatan’ achieved the incredible feat of securing two titles in two weight divisions in both GLORY and the UFC with his win. Now, he’s shared an interesting take on ‘Borz’ wanting to fight him next. And fans on social media are left rolling in their seats with Pereira’s jab at Chimaev!
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Alex Pereira leaves fans laughing at his hilarious response to Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev, despite not competing in the light heavyweight division and lacking wins against Top 15 middleweights, is insistent on seeking a showdown with Alex Pereira. The origin of this peculiar call-out traces back to Pereira’s middleweight title win against Israel Adesanya at UFC 281.
Now, with Pereira as the light heavyweight champ, Chimaev renewed the call-out, prompting Pereira to question the logic behind such attempts. He shared a post on Twitter/X that showed a humorous scene from the movie, ‘Kung Fu Hustle’, captioned, “When Chimaev is choosing his opponents.”
The response has left fans clutching their sides at ‘Poatan’s shot at Chimaev. Here’s how the community reacted:
When Chimaev is choosing his opponents. pic.twitter.com/IhQCKqkdhN
— Alex "Poatan" Pereira (@AlexPereiraUFC) November 23, 2023
Fans pointed out the different sides of Pereira’s personality on display
Bro went from a stone cold killer to a meme page.
MMA Twitter ruined him
— HokageMMA 🥷🇩🇪 (@UFCHokage) November 23, 2023
Others appreciated the silly joke
Your so silly Poatan pic.twitter.com/dZ7EtZpghQ
— The Fight Game (@TheFightGame___) November 23, 2023
While some claimed that Chimaev isn’t ready for the challenge
Chimaev aint ready pic.twitter.com/EAmLZswWgC
— Adam “AZ” (@TheZAHAZ) November 23, 2023
Others also took shots at ‘Borz’ and his changes in weight classes
Chimaev trying to figure out which weight class he is in : pic.twitter.com/SKgbN1oYZy
— ⚜️ GoldenInstinct ⚜️ (@GoldenInstinctx) November 23, 2023
Fans also appreciated the humor on display
Owned him
— Wayne (@WayneAlt1) November 23, 2023
That was a GOAT move. Well played, Poatan🤣🤣
— Robert Brown (@rbrown00) November 24, 2023
While others appreciated the reference to the classic film
yooooo kung fu hustle 😂💀
— DVYN (@Devyn_Roque21) November 24, 2023
Some fans were even left in disbelief at ‘Poatan’ sharing memes
no way pereira posted a meme😭😭
— dante (@dantezupp) November 23, 2023
The reactions highlight the amusement of the community at Pereira’s response. Some fans noted the contrasting facets of Pereira’s personality, appreciating the shift from a stone-cold killer to a provider of comedic relief. However, others playfully accused MMA Twitter of turning Pereira into a meme page.
It remains to be seen if the back-and-forth on social media will eventually lead to a matchup between the two. But if Chimaev decides to move up to light-heavyweight, a former UFC champion has already stated his willingness to welcome him to the division!
Chimaev offered a welcome to light heavyweight by former champion
In a surprising twist, former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka extended an invitation to Chimaev, welcoming him to the light heavyweight division. Prochazka, returning from a shoulder injury, recently faced Pereira for the vacant title at UFC 295, experiencing his first loss since 2015.
Chimaev and Prochazka also share a history of training together. Despite the weight class difference, the prospect of a clash between the undefeated Chimaev and the former champion adds intrigue to the unfolding narrative.
Prochazka shared on Twitter/X, “I would like to welcome you to LHW division” in response to Chimaev’s call-out of Pereira.
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I would like to welcome you to LHW division ⚡️
— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) November 21, 2023
However, a lingering hand injury has left the timing of Chimaev’s return uncertain, adding a layer of anticipation to his next move in the UFC. And with Prochazka ready to fight him if he chooses to move up, fans are left wondering if ‘Borz’ will move up in weight when he returns to competition!
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Do you think Alex Pereira should fight Khamzat Chimaev if he decides to move up a weight class? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Watch This Story: Dana White Snubs Khamzat Chimaev To Give Dricus Du Plessis The Title Shot Against Sean Strickland
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