Is UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira likely to fight Khamzat Chimaev next?

Since beating Israel Adesanya at UFC 281 last weekend, Alex Pereira's potential next opponent has been a hot topic. One fighter keen to face the Brazilian is Khamzat Chimaev, with 'Borz' calling out the middleweight champion via Instagram.

Given the competitive nature of Pereira's bout against Israel Adesanya at UFC 281, it would seem likely that an instant rematch would be booked by the organization. However, with Chimaev being such a big name, the interest in this potential bout will be very high.

Calling out the UFC middleweight champion on Instagram, Chimaev stated:

"This guy [Pereira] did fight for the belt with a 6-1 record, let me smash him, I have a record 12-0. Let’s go brother make it happen @danawhite in Brazil."

Khamzat Chimaev also called out Alex Pereira via Twitter:

"Ready to fight in Brazil @AlexPereiraUFC let’s go champ."

Both Pereira and Chimaev have very limited experience in the UFC, with the two having just 10 UFC outings combined. However, the duo have quickly become household names in the organization, and the Brazilian even won UFC gold in his fourth UFC outing.

Watch UFC 281 main-event highlights here:

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Alex Pereira vs. Khamzat Chimaev: Height, reach, and UFC record comparison

Should Alex Pereira and Khamzat Chimaev compete in the middleweight division, the Brazilian would have many natural advantages over 'Borz'. Pereira is taller and has a longer reach, with the middleweight champion standing at 194cm and having a reach of 203cm.

Chimaev stands at 188cm and has a reach of 191cm. However, 'Borz' has more UFC experience than the Brazilian and a truly exceptional grappling game.

'Borz' is currently unbeaten in professional MMA. He has beaten the likes of John Phillips, Rhys McKee, Gerald Meerschaert, Jingliang Li, Gilbert Burns, and Kevin Holland since joining the UFC in 2020.

Watch Chimaev's latest UFC outing here:

Alex Pereira has fought just four times under the UFC banner. He signed with the organization in 2021 after transitioning into MMA after a successful kickboxing career. He was a two-weight world kickboxing champion in the Singapore-based promotion Glory.

Since joining the UFC, Pereira has beaten Andreas Michailidis, Bruno Silva, Sean Strickland, and most recently, Israel Adesanya at UFC 281.

Bruno Silva is the only fighter to have seen the judges' scorecards against Pereira in the UFC, with 'Poatan' winning via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Ankalaev.