Khamzat Chimaev’s 8-Word Tweet to Alex Pereira After UFC 320 Win

Alex Pereira’s spectacular 80-second victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 has reopened the debate about who should be next in line for a shot at the UFC light heavyweight crown. The 38-year-old Brazilian reclaimed his title in devastating fashion, stunning Ankalaev with an overhand right before finishing the fight on the canvas, raining down punches and elbows.

With the belt now back around his waist, there is no shortage of contenders eager to test themselves against one of the most feared strikers in MMA. #2 ranked light heavyweight Jiri Prochazka remains a strong candidate for a rematch with the Brazilian after folding Khalil Rountree Jr on the same night as Pereira’s victory over Ankalaev. Another name thought to have a chance of a shot is New Zealand native and #3 ranked light heavyweight Carlos Ulberg. Ulberg is one of the division’s most in-form fighters right now, after beating three top 10 ranked light heavyweights in the last year. There’s even the possibility of a rubber match with Ankalaev, if the Russian is seen to be deserving of another fight after such a convincing loss.

The natural thought would be that Pereira would face one of these top-ranked names once his foot injury is properly assessed and healed. But in the aftermath of his victory at UFC 320, somebody else has thrown their name into the hat, and it’s not a light heavyweight.

Khamzat Chimaev Sends Message to Alex Pereira

The unbeaten king of the middleweights, Khamzat Chimaev, took to X and posted: “@AlexPereiraUFC Congrats, now we need to finish our business.” The statement immediately ignited speculation about what would undoubtedly be a huge fight and how it would shape up, with the possibility of both fighters being more than able to compete in both divisions, although it would be more likely to happen at light heavyweight.

Chimaev has spent most of his UFC career between welterweight and middleweight and captured his first UFC title in August 2025, beating Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision at UFC 319. As much as moving up to light heavyweight would be a considerable jump, 20lbs to be specific, Chimaev has been very vocal throughout his career about conquering multiple divisions, and this could be the perfect moment.

Stylistically, it would be a hugely intriguing clash. Pereira is regarded as one of the most lethal strikers in the sport and is a decorated kickboxer, who has amassed nine knockouts in 12 UFC fights. Chimaev, by contrast, is a relentless grappler, whose wrestling-heavy approach has broken the will of almost everyone he’s faced. The question is whether he could withstand Pereira’s knockout power long enough to impose his game plan.

Even though Prochazka and Ulberg are more than worthy opponents for the UFC to consider, Chimaev’s call-out ensures the conversation for Pereira’s next title defence is wide open. His injury, however, might mean that fans and opponents have to wait longer to find out what is announced, but Dana White and his colleagues at the UFC will have a serious headache when it comes to booking the next light heavyweight title bout.