Khamzat Chimaev may be one of the top contenders in the welterweight division but that certainly hasn’t stopped him from casting glances elsewhere, particularly after Alex Pereira’s title-winning performance against Israel Adesanya last weekend.
Brazil’s Pereira captured UFC gold in what was just his eighth professional fight as he earned his third successive victory against Adesanya after their two prior meetings in their kickboxing careers – but far from being respectful of the new champion’s clear and obvious striking prowess, Chimaev seems to be of the opinion that he would walk through the newly-crowned champion — or so the messaging from his social media accounts suggest.
Adesanya, who is also not particularly known for his grappling acumen, was able to establish some top control in the third round of the UFC 281 title fight in Madison Square Garden, something that Chimaev apparently sees as something he can take significant advantage from.
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This is my belt 😡😡😡
Let me fight @ufc— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) November 13, 2022
Let me fight with this guy, 1 road finish him ⚔️✊🏼
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) November 13, 2022
easy money 💸💸💸🤪🤪🤪
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) November 13, 2022
Ready to fight in Brazil @AlexPereiraUFC let’s go champ 🤪🤝
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) November 13, 2022
Chimaev missed weight for his most recent scheduled bout with Nate Diaz in September by more than seven pounds and, even though Dana White has stated that he will give Chimaev another opportunity in the welterweight division, many observers are of the opinion that Chimaev will one day soon move full-time to the middleweight frame.
But will he get an immediate title shot, and might that come against Pereira? That’s a question for the UFC matchmakers to answer.
