Khamzat Chimaev is making his frustration with UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira clear. The middleweight champion used social media to express his views while waiting for his next matchup.
Currently, neither fighter has a confirmed bout. Chimaev is searching for his first challenger since winning the UFC middleweight title at UFC 319 in August, while Pereira has considered moving to the heavyweight division after regaining the UFC light heavyweight belt at UFC 320 in October. Their rivalry is well known, and Chimaev has been particularly active in trying to push for a fight against Pereira at 205 pounds.
Chimaev Calls Out Pereira on Social Media
On Friday, Chimaev took to social media to address Pereira directly. Responding to a fan who praised Pereira’s accomplishments, Chimaev suggested that he could also become a two-division champion if Pereira “stops running.”
“Stops running,” Chimaev said, emphasizing that the fight is possible if Pereira accepts the challenge.
BORZ 15 W
Cama 13 W, and 3 losses.
Only this is the difference between us 😂😂😂— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) January 30, 2026
If you show respect I show back respect, cama team talk too much that’s why no respect anymore.
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) January 30, 2026
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) January 30, 2026
If cama stop running, I will be 2 divisional champion InShaAllah ☝🏼
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) January 30, 2026
Both Chimaev and Pereira have indicated interest in competing at the UFC White House event scheduled for June. With no official fight announcements yet, the tension between the two champions is likely to continue until bouts are confirmed.
