Anatoly Malykhin Discusses Khamzat Chimaev's Strategy to Defeat Alex Pereira

What's Happening?

Anatoly Malykhin, a two-division ONE Championship titleholder, has shared his insights on how Khamzat Chimaev could potentially defeat Alex Pereira in a future fight. Malykhin highlighted that Chimaev, who remains undefeated with a record of 15 wins, could leverage his wrestling skills and the excitement of the crowd to overcome Pereira. He referenced past fighters like Artem Vakhitov and Israel Adesanya, who have successfully defeated Pereira, suggesting that Chimaev could follow a similar path. Malykhin humorously suggested that Chimaev should send Pereira a voice message every morning to keep him on edge. This discussion comes in the wake of Pereira's recent victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, where he claimed the light heavyweight title.

Why It's Important?

The potential matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Alex Pereira is significant in the MMA world, as it pits two highly skilled fighters against each other. Chimaev's undefeated record and Pereira's recent success in claiming the light heavyweight title make this a highly anticipated fight. The outcome could have implications for the rankings and future title shots within the UFC. For Chimaev, a victory would solidify his standing as a top contender and possibly lead to a title fight. For Pereira, defending against a formidable opponent like Chimaev would further establish his dominance in the division. The fight also holds commercial value, likely drawing significant attention and viewership.

What's Next?

While no official fight has been scheduled, the ongoing discussions and public interest suggest that a matchup between Chimaev and Pereira could be on the horizon. Both fighters have expressed interest in facing each other, with Chimaev stating he has 'unfinished business' with Pereira. The UFC may consider organizing this fight as part of a major event, given the potential for high viewership and ticket sales. Fans and analysts will be watching closely for any announcements regarding the fight date and location.