Light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira doesn’t hold the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in high regard, which was apparent in his comments about the Chechnya native almost two years ago. Well, there was no immediate response to it from the 185fer, but after a long time, Chimaev decided to take a dig at the Brazilian and with a reminder of Pereira’s shortcomings inside the Octagon.

In 2023, ahead of his middleweight title defense against Israel Adesanya, ‘Poatan’ called Khamzat Chimaev a “dog’s a–hole” in Portuguese while describing a list of UFC fighters. That comment was later met with a jibe aimed at Alex Pereira’s only UFC loss so far owing to the bout’s ultimate result. As we all have seen so far, there’s been absolutely no one who has had the answer to the Brazilian native’s prowess inside the Octagon, as he won two divisional titles in record time. Well, except for Izzy!

Pereira’s former arch-nemesis took his revenge at UFC 287, emanating from his rivalry with ‘Poatan’ since their Glory Kickboxing days when he knocked out the now 205lbs champ to become a 2-time middleweight champion. As such, while sharing a couple of snaps of Pereira getting knocked out by ‘Izzy’ as an act of rubbing salt on ‘Poatan’s wounds, Khamzat Chimaev gave his rendition of the 205-pound king’s catchphrase, coupled with an insult. He tweeted, “Sama wake up.”

Chimaev had talked about fighting Pereira in the past, and while he did appear confident, he also admitted to one fear he has when it comes to fighting the Brazilian ace. Let’s take a look at that front.

Khamzat Chimaev once mentioned his fear of getting knocked out by Alex Pereira

Despite the trash talk on social media, Khamzat Chimaev is well aware of what Alex Pereira is capable of, and during his interview with Michael Bisping before UFC 308, he admitted his reservations. Even though he claimed that his style would work perfectly against the light heavyweight champion, he did mention how Pereira has been able to put everybody’s light out and acknowledged the fact that it can happen to him as well.

“I’ve always been open for that [facing Pereira]. I know stylistically this match for me is much easier than other guys. But in striking, I’m honest. I know the guy can knock me out, you know? He knocks out everyone. I know the guy is a good striker. One of the best, has the hardest punches,” said Khamzat Chimaev.

Well, this could be an interesting fight if it ever comes to fruition, but Chimaev already has a middleweight title shot on the horizon against Dricus Du Plessis. Moreover, Alex Pereira has Magomed Ankalaev to take care of next month at UFC 313 in what could be his fourth successful title defense. Regardless, who do you think wins this potential bout? Drop your comments below.

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