When a powerhouse from Brazil clashes with a relentless force from the mountains of Chechnya, the result is bound to be nothing short of explosive. That’s the level of excitement swirling around the potential showdown between Alex Pereira and Khamzat Chimaev. A matchup like this is a recipe for fireworks.

Rumors of this blockbuster fight are already making waves, fueling heated debates and endless speculation across the MMA community. Adding to the hype, Sean O’Malley’s coach, Tim Welch, has thrown his hat into the ring, confidently picking his favorite to come out on top. With both fighters at the peak of their game, this potential clash has the makings of an all-time classic.

Khamzat Chimaev will be a massive problem for Alex Pereira feels coach Welch

As 2024 came to a close, UFC CEO Dana White dropped a bombshell during the year’s final event in Tampa, teasing a monumental surprise for 2025. “I’ve got something in the works that you’ll never (expletive) see coming for 2025,” White announced, sending fans and analysts into a frenzy of speculation about what might be on the horizon.

One of the most talked-about rumors involves a potential showdown between middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. Despite the 20-pound difference between their divisions, the prospect of these two MMA juggernauts facing off has captivated fans. The buzz intensified when Pereira seemed to rule out Magomed Ankalaev as a potential challenger for his light heavyweight crown.

Meanwhile, in October, Chimaev added fuel to the fire by expressing his readiness to take on Pereira. However, neither White, Chimaev, nor Pereira has confirmed any details, leaving fans eagerly awaiting what could be one of 2025’s biggest fights. Tim Welch shared his thoughts on the rumored matchup during his podcast, where he invited comedian Bryan Callen to join the discussion. Callen voiced his doubts about the potential fight, stating: “They are playing with the idea of Alex Pereira, aren’t they? Which I think would be a mistake.”

Welch agreed, elaborating, “I think that too. Pereira is one of the biggest stars at UFC 205. Chimaev runs through him—now what? You’ve got Chimaev at 205 and 185. What do you do with him? But I wonder if these middleweights look at Chimaev and think, ‘I have to match this m—-ker’s pace.'”

Pereira has had one of the most impressive years as a fighter and hopes for an even better 2025. Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is also waiting to get any official confirmation for his next outing. However, he has high hopes for the clash and feels ‘Borz’ might just be tough to handle for ‘Poatan’.

‘Poatan’ needs to go past the first round against Chimaev feels Whittaker

“Let me finish him.” Those were the bold words of Khamzat Chimaev to UFC CEO Dana White back in 2023, as the Chechen Wolf set his sights on Alex Pereira. Despite a period of inactivity, Chimaev silenced any doubts with a dominant victory over Robert Whittaker, a performance that not only earned him a decisive win but also left Whittaker with a severe jaw injury. The victory garnered admiration from Whittaker himself, who praised Chimaev’s strength and skill.

However, during an appearance on the MMArcade Podcast with host Jonny Roses, Whittaker offered a nuanced analysis of a potential showdown between Chimaev and Pereira. While Whittaker leaned towards Chimaev as the likely victor, he also highlighted Pereira’s dangerous striking and ability to capitalize on a gassed opponent. “Chimaev, easily. Not easily, Chimaev though—he’s good at what he does. He plays into his strengths, but let’s say, hypothetically, Chimaev slows down, gasses a little bit, Pereira won’t,” Whittaker explained.

He added a warning about Pereira’s unmatched striking prowess, “He can strike asleep, dead tired. Dude’s been doing it his whole life. He’ll ki-l Chimaev in the standup. It won’t be like that Usman-Chimaev fight where [Kamaru] Usman was, kind of, outboxing him a little bit at that period when Chimaev got tired. It’ll be a slaughter, but does it go that far?”

The MMA world is abuzz with anticipation over this potential matchup, which promises to be a clash of elite skill and ferocious willpower. Who do you think will emerge victorious if this fight happens? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!