Khamzat Chimaev has long targeted a showdown with Alex Pereira, but the undefeated middleweight champion's grappling coach believes the Brazilian striker should take a completely different route.
A key figure in Chimaev's corner, Alan "Finfou" do Nascimento, recently spoke with MMA Fighting and offered surprisingly candid advice for the current light heavyweight king. Rather than risk his aura in a stylistic nightmare against "Borz", Nascimento suggests that Pereira should pursue a third divisional title in the heavyweight ranks.
Nascimento acknowledges that a bout between the two superstars would generate significant revenue, but he feels the historical implications of the heavyweight move are far more important. The grappling expert pointed out that Pereira is already the financial A-side in almost any matchup.
Therefore, accepting the fight against Chimaev, even if a second title is at stake for the Chechen-born fighter, does not offer the same historical reward as capturing a third championship belt. Nascimento said achieving champion-champ-champ status is something the organization has never seen, making it the ultimate foundation for a combat sports career.
Despite advising against the matchup from his perspective, Nascimento is confident in his protégé's ability to reach the 205-pound limit. He said that moving up to light heavyweight requires a fair amount of time to safely gain weight and cannot be done overnight. However, if UFC officials provide the opportunity and Chimaev is interested, the team will comply and move forward with the necessary preparations.
The coach praised both athletes for their mentality in rising from difficult beginnings to the top of the sport. When breaking down the hypothetical clash of styles, Nascimento predicted a classic striker-versus-grappler dynamic, where the athlete who successfully dictates the fight location would be victorious.
He noted that if Chimaev failed to secure a takedown, he would be in serious danger of being knocked unconscious by Pereira's signature left hook. Conversely, if Chimaev manages to pin the kickboxer to the ground, the chances of a submission victory will increase.
While acknowledging the unpredictability of combat sports – such as the hypothetical scenario of Pereira knocking out Chimaev – Nascimento firmly believes that the outcome depends entirely on which man can apply his tactics first.
