Alex Pereira Called Out by Khamzat Chimaev After TKO Win vs. Ankalaev at UFC 320

Khamzat Chimaev laid down a challenge to Alex Pereira following the Brazilian’s impressive TKO victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 on Saturday.

Pereira won the rematch in just 80 seconds and took back the light heavyweight title. Chimaev, the unbeaten middleweight champ wasted no time in saying “we need to finish our business”:

Pereira, for his part, said through a translator after the show he wants to face Jon Jones at the White House:

UFC president Dana White has downplayed the likelihood of Jones being on the White House card, citing his lack of trust in the 38-year-old legend.

Pitting Chimaev against Pereira would be a worthwhile alternative, with the former improving his record to a perfect 15-0 with his unanimous decision over Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319.

But Pereira was dismissive of a similar remark from Chimaev back in 2022, and his mindset doesn’t appear to have shifted much. He told reporters his focus is solely on a move up to the heavyweight division for a “superfight.”

Assuming Jones is off the table — at least within the context of the White House show — Pereira should have no shortage of possible opponents next summer. The UFC could also choose to line up a date with Jones at another major event that isn’t the one-off White House spectacle.

In short, Chimaev will have to keep waiting in line.

Source link