TLDR
- Khamzat Chimaev responded to Alex Pereira’s silence, saying he wants big fights over an undefeated record
- Chimaev is reportedly targeted to face Jiri Prochazka for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 327 on April 11
- The middleweight champion would vacate his 185-pound belt to pursue double champion status at 205 pounds
- Chimaev’s walking weight is between 225-230 pounds, making him too large for middleweight according to Kamaru Usman
- Pereira is expected to vacate the light heavyweight title to move to heavyweight, creating the opportunity for Chimaev
Sources: EssentiallySports | Total Pro Sports
UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has responded to Alex Pereira’s silence after calling out the light heavyweight champion. Chimaev made it clear he prioritizes blockbuster fights over maintaining an undefeated record.
“I am not like these guys who try to take their retirement from UFC undefeated,” Chimaev said on the JAXXON Podcast Friday. “I just want to make big fights.”
The comments come as Chimaev is reportedly being targeted to face former light heavyweight champion Jiří Procházka for the vacant 205-pound title at UFC 327 on April 11 in Miami, Florida. MMA content creator @realkevink first reported the potential matchup on social media.
The UFC has not officially confirmed the fight. Chimaev’s team has not provided additional comment on the situation.
This is how Khamzat Chimaev does Alex Pereira 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/CGoEws16DH
— Jam (@Iswhatis1) November 21, 2023
Chimaev’s Path to Double Champion Status
Chimaev would vacate his middleweight title to pursue a second championship at light heavyweight. The move would bypass any defense of the belt he won by defeating Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in August.
The undefeated champion (15-0) expressed his desire to become a two-division champion. “I want to become double champion,” Chimaev stated on the podcast appearance.
This would mark the third weight class of Chimaev’s UFC career after competing at both welterweight and middleweight. Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman recently suggested on his Pound 4 Pound podcast that Chimaev has outgrown 185 pounds.
Reports place Chimaev’s walking weight between 225 and 230 pounds. The size difference has made weight cuts increasingly difficult for the Chechen fighter.
Chimaev posted a simple “205” on social media, teasing the potential move to light heavyweight. The post came after Pereira failed to respond to previous callouts.
Procházka Rebuilds Momentum After Pereira Losses
Procházka (32-5-1) has rebuilt momentum in the light heavyweight division with back-to-back stoppage victories. He defeated Jamahal Hill at UFC 311 in January 2025 and Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 320 in October 2025.
The former champion’s only UFC losses have come against Alex Pereira. Pereira is widely expected to vacate the 205-pound title to pursue a heavyweight move.
The timing works in Chimaev’s favor as Pereira plans to move up in weight. This creates a vacant title opportunity at light heavyweight without requiring Chimaev to face Pereira directly.
An earlier rumor from Brazilian outlet MMA Hoje targeted Procházka vs. Carlos Ulberg for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 327. That report also mentioned Pereira facing Ciryl Gane for interim heavyweight gold at UFC 328.
Whether the Chimaev matchup has replaced that plan remains unclear. The UFC has not addressed the conflicting reports.
Chimaev’s callout of Pereira appears to be part of his larger strategy to secure the biggest fights available. His willingness to move up in weight and risk his undefeated record separates him from other champions.
The UFC 327 card is taking shape with a confirmed co-main event featuring flyweight champion Joshua Van defending his title against Tatsuro Taira. Other bouts include Dominick Reyes vs. Johnny Walker, Kevin Holland vs. Randy Brown, and Paulo Costa’s light heavyweight debut against Azamat Murzakanov.
Chimaev plans to compete after Ramadan ends, making the April 11 date at the Kaseya Center in Miami a realistic timeline for his light heavyweight debut.
