Khamzat Chimaev is not quite at the light heavyweight level just yet. However, after his recent move to middleweight, is it so far out of reach? ‘Borz’ has been beefing on and off with many over the past month after his victory over Kamaru Usman. Now, he has a new target in sight.
And that’s none other than the reigning light heavyweight champ, Alex Pereira. Chimaev recently put up a post on his X handle calling out Pereira. He’s certain that he can take ‘Poatan’ down and now, he has the support of a UFC veteran. Take a look at what his take was.
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Can Khamzat Chimaev really outdo Pereira?
Chimaev is a brilliant wrestler. And if there’s one thing we know about wrestling, it’s that a fighter who heavily relies on striking often falls prey to it. And Pereira is a kickboxer of the most elite level. According to Michael Bisping, this difference could give Chimaev the edge he needs.
“That’s a good match up for Khamzat Chimaev,” said Bisping. “Not
saying he would beat Alex Pereira before the ‘Poatan’ crew come for me. Just stylistically because he’s not a wrestler, he’s a kickboxer and Khamzat Chimaev has been able to take everybody down.” Bisping makes a very fair point. Just recently Chimaev proved to everyone that he’s capable enough to take down one of the greatest welterweights of all time. Sure, the fight was at short notice but Usman gave Chimaev a great competition. Does that mean he’s ready for Pereira?
The analysis has to come from both sides of the spectrum. While Chimaev’s wrestling is undoubtedly brilliant, there are very few strikers in the UFC as accurate and elite as ‘Poatan’. His fists hit the right spot just about every time and he knows how to use those calf kicks like no one else. So who really wins in a final contest?
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Pereira has also taken down a giant
That’s right. Just recently Pereira proved his mettle by taking down Jiri Prochazka. And to his credit, Prochazka did try his best to wrestle Pereira to the ground. But that’s exactly where things went south for the fighter. In the second round, when Prochazka tried to take Pereira down, several blows from the Brazilian followed.
Also Read: “Referee Ended It Too Early” – Jiri Prochazka Makes a U-Turn, Finally Agrees With Joe Rogan’s Allegations on Marc Goddard at UFC 295
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After that, it was just about lights out for the fighter. So wrestling didn’t quite come through during that fight. Is Chimaev a better wrestler than Prochazka? The answer is arguable. He has shown great prowess on the ground as he controlled Kamaru Usman on the ground throughout the entire match. Can he do the same to Pereira? We’ll only find out if the match happens.
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