When Khamzat Chimaev shared brutally honest take on potential Alex Pereira fight: “The guy can knock me out”

Khamzat Chimaev once admitted he knows Alex Pereira could knock him out, despite believing that the potential match-up would be favorable for him stylistically.

Chimaev recently picked up the biggest win of his career when he defeated Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. What was expected to be the toughest test so far for 'Borz' proved anything but, as he dominated the former middleweight champion with his wrestling before locking in a face crank submission for the victory.

The win has all but guaranteed Chimaev a shot at the 185-pound title, with him now expected to face the winner of the rematch between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland.

Speaking to 'The Count' ahead of UFC 308, Chimaev was asked about potentially facing Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title in the future. Bisping stated that he believes Khamzat Chimaev would be the biggest threat to the Brazilian's reign, but Chimaev got brutally honest about his chances. He said:

"I've always been open for that [facing Pereira]. I know stylistically this match for me is much easier than other guys. But in striking, I'm honest. I know the guy can knock me out, you know? He knocks out everyone. I know the guy is a good striker. One of the best, has the hardest punches."

Check out Khamzat Chimaev's comments here (7:40):

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Robert Whittaker weighs in on Khamzat Chimaev's chances against Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland

Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker recently offered his take on Khamzat Chimaev's chances against either Dricus du Plessis or Sean Strickland.

du Plessis and Strickland are set to run it back at UFC 312 in February, with their first bout seeing 'Stillknocks' crowned as the middleweight champion following a narrow split-decision win over 'Tarzan'.

Speaking on a recent episode of his MMArcade podcast, 'The Reaper' said:

“I think he [Khamzat Chimaev] just takes them down and does the same thing, like not necessarily to me but how he beat Usman or how he beat Gilbert Burns. I can see those sort of fights.I think he’d have more success with Strickland than Du Plessis just because Du Plessis is like a big dude. Stopping that first takedown is so crazy. The way he shoots that first shot is crazy. How do you stop that dude? Jump over him?”

Check out Robert Whittaker's comments here (30:08):