Ankalaev Challenges Chimaev to Step Into His Division: “No Problem”

The world of mixed martial arts thrives on the drama of rivalries, dream fights, and the relentless ambition of its fighters. In recent weeks, UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev has sparked new intrigue by opening the door to a potential super fight against none other than Khamzat Chimaev, the undefeated juggernaut who just claimed the middleweight title with a historic victory over Dricus Du Plessis.

Chimaev’s dominance at 185 pounds has already ignited endless discussions among fans and pundits alike. With his seemingly unstoppable wrestling, vicious ground-and-pound, and fearless striking, “Borz” is now positioned as one of the UFC’s most marketable champions. But when a reigning champion like Ankalaev suggests he’s more than willing to welcome Chimaev to the 205-pound division, the MMA world understandably perks up. This potential clash, while not yet on the UFC’s schedule, has all the ingredients of a blockbuster.

Chimaev’s Middleweight Reign Begins

Earlier this month, Khamzat Chimaev delivered one of the most complete performances of his career, dismantling Du Plessis with a combination of relentless pressure, suffocating wrestling, and precision striking. The fight was billed as a major test for the undefeated Chechen-born star, but instead, it turned into a showcase of his evolution as a fighter. By the time the final bell rang, there was no doubt that Chimaev was not just a contender but a dominant champion.

Now holding the undisputed UFC middleweight belt, Chimaev finds himself in a division brimming with hungry contenders. Names like Reinier de Ridder, Caio Borralho, and Nassourdine Imavov have already entered the conversation as potential challengers. Each of these fighters offers a unique stylistic puzzle, but none of them, at least for now, carry the same star power or narrative pull as a potential cross-divisional showdown with Ankalaev.

Ankalaev’s Dominance at 205

While Chimaev was making history at middleweight, Magomed Ankalaev has been carving his own path at light heavyweight. Known for his calm, methodical approach inside the Octagon, Ankalaev combines elite sambo fundamentals with striking precision and world-class defense. Since joining the UFC, he has consistently proven himself against the best in the division, culminating in his crowning moment when he claimed the undisputed title.

Ankalaev’s resume includes wins over top-tier opponents and his ability to adjust mid-fight has made him one of the most difficult fighters to solve. His next assignment, a high-stakes rematch against Brazilian knockout artist Alex Pereira, already promises fireworks. Pereira, known for his devastating striking and highlight-reel finishes, is perhaps Ankalaev’s toughest challenge yet. But even as he prepares for that bout, Ankalaev isn’t shying away from talk of a possible meeting with Chimaev.

“If He Moves Up, He Moves Up”

Speaking to Sport24Ru, Ankalaev addressed the idea of Chimaev testing himself at 205 pounds with confidence and openness:

“I’m still in this division. If someone wants to move up and test my weight class, I always say ‘Welcome.’ If [Chimaev] moves up, he moves up. No problem.”

Those words are more than just casual talk. They reflect Ankalaev’s quiet confidence in his own abilities and his willingness to engage in legacy-defining matchups. Unlike some champions who guard their territory cautiously, Ankalaev seems ready to embrace the challenge of facing a younger, undefeated star who has become one of the UFC’s biggest names.

Why Ankalaev vs. Chimaev Would Be Huge

The prospect of Magomed Ankalaev vs. Khamzat Chimaev is tantalizing for several reasons:

1. Undefeated Aura vs. Established Champion – Chimaev’s undefeated record and aura of invincibility would collide with Ankalaev’s disciplined dominance at light heavyweight. It’s the kind of narrative fans crave.

2. Stylistic Clash – Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy, pressure-based style would be tested against Ankalaev’s elite sambo, defensive awareness, and striking. Unlike many of Chimaev’s past opponents, Ankalaev has the grappling acumen to neutralize takedowns and the striking to make him pay.

3. Cross-Division Intrigue – Historically, fights that cross divisions—such as Daniel Cormier vs. Stipe Miocic or Israel Adesanya vs. Jan Blachowicz—bring added drama. Fans love to see how a dominant fighter performs outside their weight class, and Chimaev moving up to face a reigning champion would be no exception.

4. Marketability – Both fighters come from strong fan bases. Chimaev, with his Chechen-Swedish background and bold personality, is a global star. Ankalaev, representing Dagestan and Russia, carries his own passionate following. Together, they could headline a massive pay-per-view card.

The Roadblocks to Making It Happen

As exciting as the matchup sounds, reality is more complicated. First and foremost, Chimaev has only just won the middleweight title. The UFC will likely want him to defend it at least once or twice before entertaining a move up to light heavyweight. His potential opponents at 185 pounds are legitimate threats, and the promotion will need to balance his legacy-building with the business of keeping divisions moving.

Secondly, Ankalaev isn’t without obligations of his own. His upcoming rematch against Alex Pereira could reshape his path entirely. If Pereira reclaims the title, the UFC may push for a trilogy, delaying any possible Chimaev showdown. If Ankalaev retains, then his reign gains further credibility and the idea of a superfight becomes more realistic.

What Chimaev Has to Gain

For Khamzat Chimaev, a move to light heavyweight would be a bold and risky step. However, the potential rewards are immense. Defeating a reigning champion like Ankalaev would elevate him into the realm of UFC legends who have conquered multiple divisions. Fighters such as Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and Georges St-Pierre all bolstered their legacies by challenging themselves beyond their natural weight classes.

Furthermore, Chimaev has the physicality to make the jump. Standing at 6’2” with a naturally large frame, he has always been considered a fighter who could eventually compete at 205. His wrestling-heavy style could translate well, but against someone as seasoned and technically sound as Ankalaev, he would face an entirely new level of challenge.

What Ankalaev Has to Gain

For Magomed Ankalaev, welcoming Chimaev to light heavyweight offers two key benefits. First, it would give him one of the biggest paydays of his career. Superfights draw massive attention and often come with bigger financial rewards. Second, it would give him the chance to solidify his reputation by taking down one of the UFC’s most hyped and undefeated stars.

Beating Chimaev would not only reinforce Ankalaev’s status as a dominant champion but also increase his visibility on the global stage. For a fighter sometimes criticized for being too quiet or understated, this kind of matchup could be career-defining.

Looking Ahead

At the moment, there are no official plans for Ankalaev vs. Chimaev. Both men have immediate business to attend to in their respective divisions. But Ankalaev’s comments show that he is not only confident in his reign but also open to challenges that could reshape the UFC landscape.

For fans, the mere possibility of seeing two of the sport’s most dominant athletes clash is enough to spark excitement. Whether it happens in 2026 or later, the seeds have already been planted for a matchup that could become one of the UFC’s biggest fights.

Until then, all eyes will remain on Ankalaev’s next title defense against Alex Pereira and Chimaev’s first middleweight title defense. If both men continue to win, the UFC may find itself with a superfight that feels almost inevitable.