Chimaev ran from everybody: Alex Pereira not interested in Khamzat showdown

Alex Pereira is not impressed by Khamzat Chimaev.

Pereira ruled out Chimaev as a player in the middleweight standings days before his first defence as the UFC middleweight title, a rematch against Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 287 this Saturday in Miami.

“Whoever the UFC puts against me after this fight, I’ll be willing and ready. Talking about [Paulo Costa] ‘Borrachinha’ and [Robert] Whittaker, I respect them. I don’t see them talking trash at me, wanting to promote themselves. Chimaev ran from everybody,” he said during the UFC 287 media day.

Chimaev, who improved to 12-0 in MMA after defeating Kevin Holland in a 180-pound catchweight match in his most recent UFC outing, called out Pereira immediately following the champion's triumph over Adesanya at UFC 281. Given the short notice, Pereira claimed he offered to fight Chimaev at light heavyweight in January.

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“I’m not lost as he is. Chimaev, I’ll not even talk about him,” Pereira said during the media day.

“I’m a heavy guy, I’m a big guy, but all my work has been done in this division. It was [two pounds] heavier in kickboxing and we know that makes a difference, but I want to make history in this division. I’ve said that many times before. My body will tell me when it’s time to move up in weight, but I’m feeling great now,” the champion added.

Alex Pereira is all set to rematch with Israel Adesanya in the UFC 287 main event. Pereira had stopped Adesanya to become the UFC middleweight champion back in November 2022. He will be looking to secure his first title defence against Adesanya in Miami.

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What do you think of the take from Alex Pereira on Khamzat Chimaev? Let us know in the comments below.

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