Alex Pereira responds to Khamzat Chimaev challenge with surprising offer; Chimaev responds

Alex Pereira is willing to fight Khamzat Chimaev on two conditions.

A rivalry has been brewing between the two UFC champions for some time now, with Chimaev previously stating his willingness to move up to 205 pounds to fight “Poatan” before eventually going on to defeat Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight title. That potential matchup only became more intriguing when Pereira knocked out Magomed Ankalaev to reclaim the light heavyweight title.

On Wednesday, Pereira along with coach Glover Teixiera filmed a brief skit in which they playfully responded to Chimaev with a surprising challenge of their own.

“First of all, he needs to get there,” Teixeira said. “We need Jon Jones, we want Jon Jones, a bigger name. But Chimaev fights that guy there. If he fights that guy, I’ll bet my house on it.”

When it’s Pereira’s turn to chime in, the feared knockout artist suggested he go for skill-for-skill on the mat with Chimaev, who is known for his dangerous submissions and smothering wrestling.

“That guy says he wants to fight with me, he’s gotta get out there, understand?” Pereira said. “He’s far, but I could challenge fight in his area if he wants. Let me look at you directly, let’s fight in your area. Let’s fight in grappling. And another thing, we can fight in the UFC. UFC is doing BJJ, right? UFC BJJ. Let’s do that then, let’s make it happen.

Not only is Pereira willing to test his jiu-jitsu against Chimaev’s, he’s also willing to do it for a good cause.

“Another thing,” Pereira said. “I don’t even know how much I’ll make – good money, though, you know who I am, the money is good—that money will be donated 100 percent to charity. That work for you? Chama.”

Chimaev later responded on social media, taking a shot at Teixeira:

Update: Chimaev recently responded on social media Wednesday afternoon.