Khamzat Chimaev has been calling for a title shot against new middleweight champion Alex Pereira.
Former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub shared that he believes Chimaev would easily outwrestle and defeat Pereira, leading the No.8-ranked pound-for-pound fighter to propose a bet.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Pereira stated, through his translator:
"I'll fight Chimaev in Rio at light heavyweight. Not a problem. Brendan Schaub... I think he was running his mouth. Brendan talked a lot of crap, saying that Chimaev would run [me] over, and blah, blah, blah. Also, he said that that he'll be able to take [me] down in 30 seconds. So here's the deal. I'll fight Chimaev in Rio at 205."
Pereira continued:
"I propose to do a bet with Schaub. $50,000 if I beat Chimaev. Those $50,000 from both sides [Chimaev and Schaub], we donate to kids in need. Also, $50,000 more that I don’t get taken down in 30 seconds, and we double those $50,000 to donate for the charity, too. Not only to Schaub, but Chimaev too. If he wants to jump on the bet train, let’s bet."
Chimaev and Schaub both responded to Pereira's comments by noting that they were willing to make the proposed bet. It remains to be seen if the UFC will schedule the light heavyweight bout for UFC 283.
Watch Alex Pereira propose a bet to Brendan Schaub below (starting at the 2:10:45 mark):
Sean O'Malley backs Khamzat Chimaev in a potential bout with Alex Pereira
Khamzat Chimaev has not been shy about expressing his desire to fight Alex Pereira for the middleweight title. Sean O'Malley recently shared his prediction for the potential fight.
Speaking on his podcast, The BrOMalley Show, the No.1-ranked bantamweight stated:
"Khamzat could f**k Alex up... If I had to put money on a fight, Alex versus Khamzat, I'd put it all on Khamzat... Khamzat can grapple big scary guys like that. I'd put money on Khamzat if they fought... Khamzat's grappling is good, and he can knock motherf**kers out... When it comes to who's more scary, I'd say Khamzat."
While Chimaev has been angling for a title fight against Pereira, the middleweight champion noted that he'd prefer the fight to take place at light heavyweight.
It remains to be seen if the No.3-ranked welterweight would be willing to go up two weight classes to challenge Pereira.
Watch Sean O'Malley discuss a potential matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Alex Pereira below (starting at the 12:55 mark):
