TLDR
- Alex Pereira challenged Khamzat Chimaev to a Brazilian jiu-jitsu match under the UFC BJJ banner with all profits going to charity
- Chimaev responded by accepting the challenge and claiming he could submit both Pereira and his coach Glover Teixeira on the same night
- The challenge came after Chimaev called out Pereira following both fighters’ recent UFC title victories
- Pereira regained his light heavyweight title by knocking out Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 in October
- Chimaev won his first UFC title by defeating Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight championship in August
Alex Pereira issued an unusual response to Khamzat Chimaev’s recent callout this week. The UFC light heavyweight champion proposed a grappling match instead of a traditional fight.
Pereira regained his light heavyweight title on October 4 at UFC 320. He knocked out Magomed Ankalaev in Las Vegas to reclaim the championship.
Chimaev earned his first UFC title in August. The 31-year-old fighter dominated Dricus du Plessis to become the middleweight champion.
Alex Pereira responds to Khamzat Chimaev's shock callout following UFC 320 title win https://t.co/QndfJirDvm pic.twitter.com/oQo1RLBF4C
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) October 6, 2025
After Pereira’s victory over Ankalaev, Chimaev called for a fight between the two champions. The middleweight titleholder suggested they had unfinished business to settle.
Pereira rejected the idea of an immediate octagon matchup. He stated that Chimaev hasn’t earned a fight with him yet.
Instead of a traditional mixed martial arts bout, Pereira offered something different. On Wednesday, he posted a video to Instagram with his coach Glover Teixeira.
In the video, Pereira challenged Chimaev to a Brazilian jiu-jitsu match. He proposed the bout take place under the UFC BJJ banner.
“He says he wants to fight me, he’s gotta get there,” Pereira said. “He’s far. But I could challenge him to a fight in his area.”
Pereira’s Charitable Proposal
Pereira made the grappling match more appealing with a charitable element. He announced that 100 percent of the money would be donated to charity.
The Brazilian fighter ended his challenge by asking Chimaev if the terms worked for him. Teixeira appeared in the video alongside Pereira during the callout.
Chimaev responded to the challenge just hours later. The middleweight champion posted an 11-word reply on Instagram.
“Let’s go, I can submit you both same night… Easy money,” Chimaev wrote. His response raised the stakes by including both Pereira and Teixeira.
🔥 Alex Pereira flips the script!
“Let’s fight in your area — UFC BJJ. 100% money to charity.”
Pereira responds to Khamzat Chimaev’s call-out with a surprising grappling offer 👀
Who wants this?#AlexPereira #KhamzatChimaev #UFC #GoalSpherehttps://t.co/dJzTfRh8MR
Read⤵️— GoalSphere (@goalspheree) November 13, 2025
The exchange has created buzz in the MMA community. Fans have been discussing a potential champion versus champion superfight between the two.
Different Paths for Both Champions
Pereira has previously indicated his interest in moving up to heavyweight. He has mentioned Jon Jones as his preferred opponent for a future bout.
Chimaev currently holds an undefeated 15-0 record in his professional career. He has become one of the most talked-about fighters in the UFC.
MMA analyst Chael Sonnen commented on the exchange between the two fighters. He suggested Pereira’s response was a strategic move rather than a serious grappling proposal.
Sonnen stated that the challenge allowed Pereira to avoid backing down. He compared it to situations where other high-profile fighters have withdrawn from difficult matchups.
The grappling challenge has put Chimaev in an interesting position. If he accepts, he agrees to compete outside the UFC octagon.
If Chimaev declines or ignores the offer, some may view it as backing down. His quick acceptance kept the conversation going between both camps.
Neither fighter has taken additional steps to make the grappling match happen. The exchange appears to be more about maintaining momentum than setting up an actual bout.
Chimaev accepted Pereira’s terms without hesitation in his response. He treated the grappling offer as a legitimate challenge he was ready to take.
