Alex Pereira has thrown down a grappling challenge to Khamzat Chimaev, who wasted no time in accepting.
On October 4th, Chimaev called out ‘Poatan’ just after the Brazilian reclaimed his light heavyweight title with a knockout win over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320.
This week, Pereira and his coach Glover Teixeira responded with a short skit, calling for the matchup to take place outside the octagon.
Khamzat Chimaev is quick to accept Alex Pereira’s grappling challenge
Pereira does not think Chimaev has done enough to warrant a fight with him in the UFC just yet.
Instead, he offered a different route, proposing they meet in a Brazilian jiu-jitsu match under the UFC BJJ banner.
“He (Khamzat Chimaev) says he wants to fight me, he’s gotta get there. He’s far. But I could challenge him to a fight in his area.
“Let’s fight in grappling. UFC BJJ, let’s make it happen. The money will be 100 percent donated to charity. That work for you? Chama,” Pereira said.
Chimaev’s 11-word message came just hours after ‘Poatan’ went viral with his callout, serving as a direct response.
The 31-year-old escalated the situation, declaring his readiness to face not only Pereira but also his coach, Teixeira.
‘Borz’ replied via Instagram: “Let’s go, I can submit you both same night… Easy money.”
Islam Makhachev rules out fight with Khamzat Chimaev
Welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena is scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev on Saturday night.
If the Dagestani comes out on top at UFC 322, there are some who believe the former lightweight champion could move up again and challenge for Chimaev’s gold.
But Makhachev has put that idea to rest while appearing on the WEIGHING IN podcast. He mentioned one clear reason why it will not happen.
“[At] 185 [pounds], I’m gonna be fat, you know?
“It’s gonna be hard, you know?
“It’s not gonna be my weight. Honestly, I’m gonna be too big.”
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