UFC middleweight shares interesting breakdown of how a potential Alex Pereira vs. Khamzat Chimaev fight might play out

Alex Pereira last entered the octagon in October as he defeated Khalil Rountree Jr. via fourth-round TKO at UFC 307 to defend his light heavyweight title for the third time in six months.

While many expected that Magomed Ankalaev would receive the next opportunity to challenge him for the light heavyweight title, 'Poatan' recently hinted that the promotion would go in a different direction.

Despite never competing in the division, rumors have begun to circulate that Khamzat Chimaev could be Pereira's next opponent. Kevin Holland recently weighed in on the potential matchup. Speaking to Mike Perry, Mac Mally, and Ice Bagz of the Overdogs Podcast, 'Trailblazer' was asked who he believes will win if they clash, responding:

"I was talking to the bro about that earlier. That's a tough one. It's an easy sell, but it's a tough fight to call. It's like anything outside of round one, it's probably Pereira. Anything inside round one, it's probably Chimaev. I don't think Pereira is the fastest starter so if Chimaev gets a hold of him, that sucks... The way [Chimaev] starts is crazy. I've experienced it."

Check out Kevin Holland's comments on Alex Pereira vs. Khamzat Chimaev below (55:39):

It is unclear if the UFC has an interest in giving Chimaev a title opportunity in a division he has never competed in. While rumors have surfaced regarding the promotion's plans, UFC CEO Dana White and both fighters have yet to comment on the potential matchup.

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Jan Blachowicz believes that Magomed Ankalaev needs to change to beat Alex Pereira

While Alex Pereira claimed that Magomed Ankalaev won't be the next opponent to challenge him for the light heavyweight title, there has been no confirmation of such from the UFC. Jan Blachowicz, who has faced both opponents, believes that the No.1-ranked light heavyweight needs to change to dethrone 'Poatan'.

Speaking to James Lynch of Home of Fight, Blachowicz was asked about the potential matchup, stating:

"If Ankalaev will fight like last fight with [Aleksandar] Rakic, he's going to lose the fight. He needs to do something more. He needs to be like, I don't know, but - he is good fighter, but it's not enough for Pereira in this kind of style. He needs to change."

Check out Jan Blachowicz's comments on a potential matchup between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira below:

Blachowicz added that he doesn't think Ankalaev believes in himself. He claimed that the No.1-ranked light heavyweight wants to win without taking too many punches and that a careful approach will not work against Pereira.