Summary
Poatan backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Although Alex Poatan constantly talks about his desire to change weight classes and compete for an unprecedented third heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg), the Brazilian has also been the target of provocations and challenges from Khamzat Chimaev , the king of the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). While there is no clear intention on the part of the matchmakers to set up the fight at this time, TJ Dillashaw does not see the hypothetical bout as positive for the São Paulo native.
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During an appearance on the 'JAXXON' podcast last Tuesday (27), hosted by former wrestler Quinton ' Rampage ' Jackson, Dillashaw highlighted the Chechen's takedown skills and ability to change the course of the fight through wrestling . For him, this condition makes the fight totally unbalanced in Borz's favor.
“Khamzat would run over Alex Pereira. He would. Stylistically, he runs over (Alex Pereira). He can't (defend his takedowns). He can try,” he stated.
TJ Dillashaw says Alex Pereira doesn't have the style to beat Khamzat Chimaev
“Khamzat would run through Alex Pereira”
(Via @JaxxonPodcast ) pic.twitter.com/yPFJJkWVCs
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 28, 2026
Poatan has already accepted Chimaev's challenge.
Alex Poatan after his defeat at UFC 313 (Photo: Instagram UFC Canada)
At the end of 2025, Chimaev publicly challenged not only the current light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg), but also his friend and main coach, Glover Teixeira . At the time, Poatan responded positively to the challenge in a video posted on social media, and suggested a submission grappling match.
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