Earlier this month, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira captivated the MMA community, despite being on a break. The latest rumors surrounding his next fight have kept him in the spotlight, especially following Dana White’s remarks at the UFC Tampa conclusion, where he teased, “I’ve got something in the works that you will never see coming for 2025.” This aligned with Pereira’s recent tweet, in which he dismissed a fight against top-ranked light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev, writing on X, “It won’t be Ankalaev.” So what’s cooking at the UFC HQ?

This comment sent shockwaves through the MMA community. Many have speculated that the ongoing rumors point to a potential matchup between Alex Pereira and UFC middleweight star Khamzat Chimaev, who has expressed interest in moving up to light heavyweight. This speculation was further fueled by a post from ‘MMA Uncensored’ on Instagram, though neither the UFC nor Dana White have confirmed it. UFC heavyweight veteran Brendan Schaub recently shared his thoughts on the situation via his Instagram, commenting on Dana White’s surprising statement and ‘Poatan’s’ tweet.

Brendan Schaub linked the rumors, particularly the potential matchup between Alex Pereira and Khamzat Chimaev, and said, “That makes total sense. It’s a good matchup for Khamzat; he can definitely take him down. Can he hold him down? I don’t know, but if it’s on the feet, it’s night-night. Alex hits so hard.” The UFC veteran, however, questioned what the options could be if it’s not Khamzat, adding, “But who could it be if it’s not Khamzat?” He further speculated about the possibility of ‘Poatan’ moving up to heavyweight, suggesting, “What if they did Ciryl Gane? Introduce him as the heavyweight, and he beats him. Now the rumblings of Alex vs. Jones or Aspinall really heat up, and it turns up the juice. You know, Ciryl Gane isn’t going to shoot for that.”

Earlier this year, Alex Pereira expressed interest in becoming the first UFC fighter to hold titles in three divisions, hinting at a challenge to either Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall. Over time, Jones has shown more interest in facing ‘Poatan’, calling him a “dangerous and established” opponent. However, Dana White has strongly rejected the idea of a Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira fight, stating, “No f–king way” and emphasizing the significant size difference between the two.

Yet, in a surprising moment during the UFC 309 presser, Dana White left the door open for a potential heavyweight showdown, saying,

“If they both f–king pound on me, maybe I would do it.” This comment suggests a possible matchup, but not with Jon Jones. Ciryl Gane could be an intriguing choice for Alex Pereira to kick-start his heavyweight journey, especially if Gane plays a pivotal role in the reigning LHW champion’s eventual clash with Jones. Meanwhile, a potential fight between Jones and Tom Aspinall is reportedly in the works, setting the stage for an epic battle between the winners.

Throwback: Khamzat Chimaev shows interest in fighting Alex Pereira

Since entering the UFC, Khamzat Chimaev and Alex Pereira have established themselves as elite fighters, each excelling in distinct areas. ‘Poatan’s’ devastating striking power has made him a feared opponent, while ‘BORZ’s’ dominant ground game has earned him widespread acclaim. Their contrasting styles create an intriguing dynamic, leaving fans eager to see how a potential matchup would play out. While the reigning LHW champion’s kickboxing pedigree allows him to endure full 25-minute bouts, Chimaev has faced scrutiny over his cardio, adding another layer of intrigue to the hypothetical clash.

Discussing the potential fight, Khamzat Chimaev shared his perspective in a conversation with Michael Bisping. Recognizing Alex Pereira’s striking prowess, Chimaev remained confident in his wrestling advantage. He admitted, “I’ve always been open to 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.”

What are your thoughts on Brendan Schaub’s prediction? Is Ciryl Gane vs. Alex Pereira the fight fans are craving, or would a showdown between ‘Poatan’ and Khamzat Chimaev be the ultimate blockbuster worth every penny? Who do you think the reigning LHW champion should face next? Share your predictions below!