Ankalaev Eyes Chimaev Super Fight Ahead of Pereira Rematch

Just weeks before his scheduled rematch with Alex Pereira, newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev is already setting his sights on a potential blockbuster clash with middleweight titleholder Khamzat Chimaev.

Ankalaev, who edged Pereira in their first encounter to claim the 205-pound strap, has projected confidence heading into the return bout.

The Russian maintains that the rematch will prove less challenging than their initial meeting, which was largely contested on the feet.

“I think the rematch will be much easier than the first fight,” Ankalaev told Ushatayka. “I will do everything to dominate. I don’t think I’ll have any problems anywhere. I want him to approach this fight 100 percent ready so that he doesn’t have any excuses like the last fight, that he wasn’t prepared.”

Pereira, who went into their last clash reportedly dealing with a norovirus infection and a broken right hand, will be looking to reclaim the belt and silence any doubts surrounding his performance.

Still, Ankalaev has hinted at a willingness to step into the Octagon with Chimaev should he successfully dispatch Pereira a second time. Chimaev, fresh off capturing the middleweight title, has ambitions of defending his crown across multiple weight classes.

The Chechen-born fighter has also expressed interest in a future showdown with Dagestani star Islam Makhachev, the former lightweight champion who has since vacated his belt to pursue welterweight gold against Jack Della Maddalena.

Whether former champion Dricus du Plessis pushes for an immediate rematch with Chimaev remains unclear, but the division continues to heat up. Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho are set to headline UFC Paris next month, both vying to strengthen their case for a shot at Chimaev’s title.

While Chimaev has already demonstrated little difficulty moving between welterweight and middleweight, a jump to 205 pounds would present a fresh test against bigger opponents. For Ankalaev, however, it could represent the defining super fight of his career.