Grappling star envisions a UFC matchup against Khamzat Chimaev.

Khamzat Shimaev He is the UFC middleweight champion. Photo: Press Release/X

Nicholas Meregali does not intend to migrate to MMA, but he enthusiastically anticipates the possibility of starring in a super fight against Khamzat Shimaev in UFC BJJ. The three-time world jiu-jitsu champion, who Returns to action after 17 months away due to injury.He considers a matchup against the 'Chechen Wolf' extremely interesting, although he doubts the Ultimate would be willing to promote it.

In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS, Meregali analyzed the potential duel and highlighted his rival's qualities. According to the Brazilian, Chimaev excels especially in transitions originating from wrestling. For the black belt, a fight would require strategic adaptations to surprise the wolf. Even so, the black belt acknowledges that it would be an extremely difficult challenge.

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"He (Khamzat Shimaev"He's very good at wrestling scrambles. A fight with him would be super interesting, super difficult, mainly because he has better wrestling than me. I would have to find ways to transition from wrestling to jiu-jitsu and surprise him with some specific jiu-jitsu technique. It would be very difficult, man. He seems to be a very physically fit guy and is building a GOAT story in the UFC," said Nicholas Meragali.

Nicholas Meregali downplays UFC's willingness to promote super fights against MMA stars.

Nicholas Meregali returns at UFC BJJ5. Photo: INSTAGRAM / Nicholas Meregali

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Despite the sporting interest, Meregali believes the UFC would hardly agree to make the fight happen. According to the three-time world champion, the organization rigorously protects its brand and avoids matchups that could jeopardize the image of its top athletes. He understands that the UFC would hardly put Chimaev in a situation that could compromise his career in MMA, a stance that, according to him, is already evident in how the company structures its fights.

“But I don’t think the UFC would even put on a fight like that. The UFC is so solid that it would never put on a fight that could destroy its brand. So they would never put it in that position. That’s what they do in MMA, for example,” explained the Jiu-Jitsu world champion.

Nicholas Meregali enters the action at UFC BJJ 5

MEREGALI MARKS HIS RETURN‼️

Nicholas Meregali makes his highly anticipated return against IBJJF No-Gi World Champion Nicholas Maglicic at #UFCBJJ5!

[ Live and FREE on YouTube | FEB 12 THU ] pic.twitter.com/xmlrqbSbgk

— UFC BJJ (@ufcbjj) February 2, 2026

Multiple champion Nicholas Meregali returns to the mats this Thursday (12), at UFC BJJ 5. The Brazilian faces Australian Nicholas Maglicic in one of the most anticipated duels of the night, which takes place at the UFC APEX, in Las Vegas, starting at 23 pm (Brasilia time). The main fight of the event will be the bantamweight title fight between Mikey Musumeci and Shay Montague, with exclusive broadcast on the Combate channel.