

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Alex Pereira: The Final Battle – Who Will Emerge Victorious?
A Collision of Titans
The highly anticipated showdown between Khamzat Chimaev and Alex Pereira has sent shockwaves through the MMA world. Two of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC will step into the Octagon for what promises to be a brutal, high-stakes battle. With contrasting fighting styles, relentless aggression, and championship aspirations, both men are on a collision course that could define their legacies.

But the question remains: Who will emerge victorious in this electrifying matchup?
In this deep dive, we’ll analyze their strengths, weaknesses, and the key factors that will determine the outcome of Khamzat Chimaev vs. Alex Pereira – The Final Battle.
Fighter Profiles: Breaking Down Chimaev and Pereira
Khamzat Chimaev – The Wrestling Phenom
Nickname: “Borz”
Record: 13-0-0 (as of his last fight)
Style: Wrestling, grappling, and ground-and-pound
Height: 6’2” (188 cm)
Reach: 75 inches (191 cm)
Khamzat Chimaev has been nothing short of dominant since entering the UFC. With an undefeated record, his relentless wrestling, suffocating pressure, and elite grappling skills have overwhelmed every opponent he has faced.
His ability to take opponents down and control them on the mat is arguably his biggest weapon. Fighters such as Kevin Holland and Li Jingliang had no answer for his wrestling, getting taken down almost immediately.
Chimaev’s key strengths:
✅ Elite wrestling and grappling
✅ Incredible cardio and pace
✅ Takedown dominance
✅ Ferocious ground-and-pound
However, Chimaev has also faced challenges. Against Gilbert Burns, he was tested in striking and took damage for the first time in his career. This could be a red flag against someone as dangerous as Alex Pereira.
Alex Pereira – The Knockout Machine
Nickname: “Poatan” (meaning “Stone Hands”)
Record: 9-2-0 (as of his last fight)
Style: Kickboxing, power striking
Height: 6’4” (193 cm)
Reach: 80 inches (203 cm)
Alex Pereira is one of the most devastating strikers in MMA today. A former Glory Kickboxing Champion, his power and precision make him a nightmare for anyone standing in front of him.
With knockout victories over Israel Adesanya and Jan Błachowicz, Pereira has proven that his striking is on another level. His left hook has ended fights in an instant, and his ability to control distance with kicks and jabs makes him an elite stand-up fighter.
Pereira’s key strengths:
✅ World-class striking and KO power
✅ Long reach and size advantage
✅ Elite kickboxing experience
✅ Unpredictability in stand-up exchanges
However, Pereira’s biggest weakness is his ground game. Against strong grapplers, he has shown vulnerability, most notably in his fight against Jan Błachowicz at light heavyweight. If Chimaev gets him to the mat, it could be a long night for the Brazilian.
Tale of the Tape: Chimaev vs. Pereira
Attribute | Khamzat Chimaev | Alex Pereira |
---|---|---|
Record | 13-0-0 | 9-2-0 |
Height | 6’2″ (188 cm) | 6’4″ (193 cm) |
Reach | 75″ (191 cm) | 80″ (203 cm) |
Style | Wrestling & Grappling | Kickboxing & Striking |
Significant Strikes Landed per Minute | 7.3 | 5.2 |
Takedown Accuracy | 66% | 25% |
Striking Accuracy | 59% | 60% |
Grappling Defense | 85% | 64% |
Looking at the numbers, Chimaev holds the edge in wrestling, while Pereira is the superior striker. The key battle will be whether Chimaev can close the distance and impose his wrestling before Pereira lands a knockout shot.
Key Factors That Will Decide the Fight
1. Chimaev’s Game Plan – Takedown or Bust?
For Chimaev, the blueprint is clear: get Pereira to the ground as soon as possible.
The longer the fight stays on the feet, the more dangerous it becomes for Chimaev. His best chance is to shoot for takedowns early and keep Pereira on the mat. If he allows Pereira to find his rhythm, he could be in serious trouble.
Expect Chimaev to pressure forward, cut off angles, and shoot for takedowns relentlessly. His ability to chain-wrestle and control position will be the deciding factor in whether he can dominate Pereira.
2. Pereira’s Striking – The Knockout Threat
For Pereira, the goal is to keep the fight standing at all costs.
His 80-inch reach gives him a significant advantage in striking range. If he can use his kicks and jabs to maintain distance, he could find the perfect opening to land his signature left hook.
The key for Pereira will be stuffing Chimaev’s takedown attempts. If he can improve his takedown defense, he has a real chance of knocking out the undefeated Chechen fighter.
3. Cardio – Who Will Gas Out First?
Cardio could be the X-factor in this fight.
Chimaev has an explosive but energy-draining style. If he cannot secure an early finish, he could find himself exhausted in the later rounds, leaving him vulnerable to Pereira’s striking.
On the other hand, Pereira is cutting a lot of weight to make this fight happen. If it goes into deep waters, his gas tank could also become an issue.
The fighter who manages their energy better could have the upper hand in the championship rounds.
Prediction: Who Wins This Fight?
This fight is one of the most exciting matchups in recent memory, but ultimately, it comes down to grappling vs. striking.
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If Chimaev can secure takedowns early, he will dominate Pereira on the mat and potentially get a submission victory.
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If Pereira keeps it standing, he has the power to end the fight with a single strike.
Final Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev via Submission (Round 2)
While Pereira’s knockout power is undeniable, Chimaev’s relentless wrestling and grappling skills give him the advantage in this matchup. If he follows the right game plan, he should be able to neutralize Pereira’s striking and secure a finish on the ground.
However, one mistake could cost him everything, as Pereira’s knockout ability is second to none.
A Fight for the Ages
No matter who wins, this fight will be remembered as a clash of two elite warriors with vastly different styles.
Will Khamzat Chimaev prove that his grappling is too much for the division?
Or will Alex Pereira silence the doubters with a thunderous knockout?
UFC fans around the world can’t wait to find out.
Who do you think will win? Drop your predictions in the comments below!