Alex Pereira vs. Khamzat Chimaev rumors gives UFC veteran “Conor McGregor vs. Chad Mendes” flashbacks: “He doesn’t have a gas tank”
A thrilling potential matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and light heavyweight king Alex Pereira is doing the rounds in the MMA world. Former UFC fighter Josh Thomson recently shared his thoughts on the bout.
On a recent episode of the Weighing In podcast, Thomson and John McCarthy discussed the possible clash. The 46-year-old drew parallels between Pereira vs. Chimaev and the memorable Conor McGregor vs. Chad Mendes fight that took place at UFC 189.
Thomson opined that both fights feature a striking specialist going up against a grappling-heavy fighter.
"[The UFC is] putting Chimaev in front of [Alex Pereira] because we know he's gonna wrestle but he's also not as big as Alex. So, there's a good chance that Alex now can beat him in the wrestling department. It kinda gives me flashbacks a little bit of the Conor McGregor vs. Chad Mendes fight."
"Let me give you Chad Mendes on 10 days' notice or a week's notice and he's a wrestler, sure, but we know he doesn't have a gas tank because it's only been five days or eight days or 10 days, whatever it was. Sure, (Mendes) can wrestle maybe in the first round, he did a lot of damage in that first round. Chiaev taking that fight, I'm sure he'll have a full camp but the size advantage will go to 'Poatan'."
Check out Josh Thomson's comments below (20:30):
Khamzat Chimaev speaks about possibly locking horns with Alex Pereira
Khamzat Chimaev recently delivered a spectacular performance as he submitted Robert Whittaker in the opening round of their clash at UFC 308. In the lead-up to that event, 'Borz' had a conversation with Michael Bisping where he weighed in on possibly sharing the octagon with Alex Pereira.
During the interview, Chimaev admitted that Pereira was capable of knocking him out inside the octagon. He said:
"I know stylistically this match for me is easier than other guys. But in striking, I'm honest, I know the guy can knock me out. I know the guy is a good striker. One of the best guys, the hardest puncher but I'm one of the best grappling-based wrestlers. He is not that."
Check out Khamzat Chimaev's comments below (7:45):