Chimaev Breaks Up Heated Brawl

Published: Friday, January 30, 2026 at 5:39 am

Chimaev Involved in Another Incident, Eyes Future Fights

Rising UFC star, Chimaev, has once again found himself embroiled in an altercation outside the octagon. This incident marks the latest in a string of off-the-mat confrontations for the newly crowned middleweight champion.

Chimaev secured the 185-pound title last August at UFC 319, delivering a commanding performance against Dricus du Plessis. He is now gearing up for his inaugural title defense. While the expected opponent is the number two-ranked Nassourdine Imavov, who is currently riding a five-fight winning streak, Chimaev has also hinted at a potential move to the light heavyweight division.

The champion has openly expressed interest in a future bout with Alex Pereira, once his business at middleweight is concluded. This potential matchup has sparked debate among fight analysts.

Glover Teixeira believes a fight with Pereira would end unfavorably for Chimaev, predicting a knockout within three rounds. Teixeira cited Pereira's powerful jab and strong defense against takedowns as significant advantages.

However, Reinier de Ridder offers a contrasting perspective. He believes Chimaev would be competitive at light heavyweight, highlighting the relative lack of high-level wrestling in the division.

BNN's Perspective:

The situation surrounding Chimaev highlights the complexities of the sport. While his in-ring accomplishments are undeniable, his off-the-mat behavior raises concerns. The potential move to light heavyweight, while intriguing, presents a significant challenge. It will be interesting to see how Chimaev balances his ambition with the demands of the sport and the expectations of the fans.

Keywords: Chimaev, UFC, middleweight, light heavyweight, Alex Pereira, Nassourdine Imavov, Glover Teixeira, Reinier de Ridder, title defense, fight, knockout, wrestling

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