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15h ago

Chimaev Targets Pereira at 205 as Pereira Dismisses Ankalaev Injury Talk and Eyes Jon Jones

Dana White indicates a champion would need to vacate to change divisions.

Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev face off just minutes before their fight at UFC 320. Credit: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 19: Brendan Allen of the United States (L) and Marvin Vettori of Italy face off during their middleweight bout during UFC 318: Holloway vs Poirier 3 at the Smoothie King Center on July 19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(via Zuffa LLC)
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Overview

  • Khamzat Chimaev said Alex Pereira is a favorable matchup at light heavyweight and reiterated his desire to chase a second UFC title after claiming the middleweight belt in August.
  • Chimaev also signaled he is willing to face middleweight contenders, naming Nassourdine Imavov and Reinier de Ridder among options while seeking strong terms for his first defense.
  • Dana White is monitoring Saturday's UFC Vancouver main event between Brendan Allen and Reinier de Ridder to help determine Chimaev’s next opponent at 185 pounds, with Imavov still in the mix.
  • Alex Pereira rejected Magomed Ankalaev’s leaked broken‑rib explanation for the UFC 320 loss, saying he fought through his own injuries and asserting there is no need for a trilogy.
  • Recovering from a broken foot, Pereira is angling for a heavyweight superfight with Jon Jones next and is openly considering a high‑profile boxing bout afterward.