UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has issued an intriguing counterproposal to Khamzat Chimaev’s recent callout. He suggested the two elite stars settle their differences on the mats rather than in the octagon.
The Brazilian champion, who has been vocal about pursuing a superfight with Jon Jones at next year’s White House event, addressed Chimaev’s interest in moving up to light heavyweight in a video posted to social media.
Speaking alongside his mentor and former UFC champion Glover Teixeira, Pereira made it clear that while he has other priorities, he’s not dismissing Chimaev entirely.
“First of all, he need to get there,” Texeira stated, suggesting Chimaev hasn’t yet earned his spot for a title shot. “We need Jon Jones. We want Jon Jones. Big name.”
However, ‘Poatan’ demonstrated he’s willing to meet Chimaev on different terms. He proposed a grappling-only contest that would take place outside the traditional MMA format.
“Let’s fight in grappling,” Pereira declared. “And another thing, we can fight in the UFC. UFC is doing BJJ, right? UFC BJJ. Let’s do this, then. Let’s make it happen.”
The proposition is particularly notable given Chimaev’s reputation as one of the most dominant grapplers in mixed martial arts. The newly crowned middleweight champion showcased his wrestling supremacy at UFC 319, securing 12 takedowns and controlling his opponent for over 21 minutes to capture the title from Dricus Du Plessis.
In perhaps the most compelling aspect of his challenge, Pereira added a philanthropic dimension to the potential matchup.
“I don’t even know how much I’m gonna win, but it’s gonna be a good money. You know who I am, right? It’s gonna be a good money. And this money is gonna be donated 100% for charity. Is that okay with you?,” the champion said.
Teixeira, who has guided Pereira throughout his UFC career, expressed his surprise at the grappling challenge given Chimaev’s strengths in that area. “I said I’d bet my house on MMA, but this guy is crazy, he wants to fight on Grapple. F*ck, let’s go, then. Let’s go,” the former champion remarked.
UFC BJJ, launched earlier this year, has already hosted several events at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, with the most recent taking place in October. The promotion currently features champions across four weight divisions. However, a matchup between Pereira and Chimaev would undoubtedly be the highest-profile contest in the young organization’s history.
