Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev Calls Out Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira After UFC 320 Victory

Following Alex Pereira's emphatic 80-second knockout win over Magomed Ankalaev to reclaim the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 320, UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev publicly called out Pereira, suggesting they "finish their business" in a potential fight. While this matchup would attract significant attention due to their elite striking and wrestling styles, Pereira has expressed his desire to move up to heavyweight to pursue a "super fight," possibly against Jon Jones, rather than face Chimaev. Despite Chimaev's callout and their ongoing rivalry, the fight seems unlikely at this time as both champions have other contenders and divisional goals, with Chimaev focused on middleweight challengers and Pereira eyeing history as a three-division champion. Pereira's recent performances have demonstrated strong takedown defense, which would be critical against Chimaev's grappling, making a potential fight a compelling striker vs. grappler clash. UFC officials, including Dana White, appear cautious about sanctioning Pereira's move to heavyweight immediately, adding further uncertainty to the prospects of a Pereira-Chimaev bout. Both fighters remain among the sport's biggest stars, and while the fight is highly anticipated by fans, its feasibility remains speculative given their current career trajectories and ambitions.