UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev fired pointed remarks at light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and former champion Glover Teixeira in recent social media posts, targeting their professional records and recent performances. The Chechen fighter, who holds an undefeated record of 15-0 overall and 9-0 inside the UFC, used the occasion to flex his dominance while questioning the legitimacy of both competitors.
Khamzat Chimaev SLAMS Alex Pereira and Glover Teixeira
Chimaev’s public shots came as speculation continues about a potential move to light heavyweight to challenge Pereira for a second world title. In a series of tweets posted on social media, the middleweight champion highlighted his record compared to both fighters. “BORZ 15 W Cama 13 W, and 3 losses. Only this is the difference between us,” Chimaev wrote, accompanied by images showing Pereira and Teixeira’s respective losses.
The posts featured footage of Pereira being knocked out by Israel Adesanya at UFC 287 and Teixeira losing via submission to Jiri Prochazka at UFC 275. Chimaev appeared to mock Pereira’s catchphrase in another post that read simply, “Sama wake up.”
After winning the middleweight title in dominant fashion against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in August 2025, the undefeated champion remains unscathed through his entire career. His wrestling and ground control have proven virtually impossible to overcome, establishing him as one of the sport’s most complete fighters.
Following his initial shots, Chimaev offered a secondary message addressing team dynamics and respect. “If you show respect I show back respect, cama team talk too much that’s why no respect anymore,” he posted, suggesting frustration with Pereira’s team members rather than the champion himself. This sentiment points to deeper interpersonal issues beyond typical fighter rivalry trash talk.
The verbal exchange between Chimaev and Pereira represents an escalation in their ongoing feud. Pereira previously dismissed Chimaev’s callout attempts during UFC 287’s media day, when the Brazilian indicated he would only fight contenders who earned their shots through legitimate competition rather than social media attention. When asked to describe fighters with a single word, Pereira chose unflattering language to characterize the undefeated middleweight champion. The tension has remained consistent despite both fighters competing at different weight classes.
Chimaev‘s future path appears directed toward light heavyweight rather than defending his middleweight belt multiple times. The champion informed ESPN in December 2025 that he plans one middleweight title defense before moving up to face Pereira at 205 pounds. That timeline targets a return around April or May 2026, following foot surgery recovery and his observance of Ramadan. Such a division jump would position Chimaev as another challenger for the vacant light heavyweight strap if Pereira follows through with plans to move to heavyweight in pursuit of unprecedented three-division champion status.
Pereira’s potential heavyweight move came into focus when reports emerged in mid-January 2026 that he informed the UFC of his intention to vacate the light heavyweight title. An official announcement was expected before month’s end, clearing the path for either Jiri Prochazka or Carlos Ulberg to claim the 205-pound belt. Whether Chimaev’s recent social media barrage accelerates any negotiation timeline remains unclear, though the commentary certainly elevated the profile of a potential meeting between two of the sport’s most intimidating athletes.
