In an unexpected twist that’s set the MMA world alight, Alex Pereira, reigning light-heavyweight champion of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has extended an open challenge to fellow champion Khamzat Chimaev for a grappling-only confrontation. The catch? Every dollar from the bout will be donated to charity.
The Challenge Issued
Pereira didn’t just accept Chimaev’s prior call-out; he flipped the terms. Asking to meet “in your area”, Pereira proposed they scrap the MMA gloves and face off on the mats.
“Let’s fight in grappling. UFC BJJ, right? Let’s make it happen,” he declared.
He followed with another bold note: the entire fight purse? 100% to charity.
Chimaev’s response was swift and succinct: “Let’s go, easy money.” With that, a feud that was already simmering now boils.
Why This Matters
There are several reasons this challenge resonates beyond the typical hype:
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Style contrast: Pereira built his legacy on dynamic striking and knockout power. Chimaev is a wrestling-grappling machine, undefeated and dominant. Putting them on a purely grappling stage erases the striking dimension and spotlights contrasting strengths.
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Charity focus: Pereira’s donation pledge adds genuine gravitas beyond promotional noise. It transforms the fight into a spectacle with purpose.
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Brand expansion: For both men, this is more than one fight. It’s a statement: one says, “I can dominate your turf.” The other says, “I’ll meet you anywhere.”
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UFC BJJ rise: With grappling gaining standalone traction, a match of this scale could signal a new era of crossover events under the UFC umbrella.
What’s Next?
While no official date or venue has been confirmed, several moving parts are worth watching:
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Weight / rule-set: Will it be under BJJ rules, no strikes, pure submission? Or will it include limited striking to revive the MMA context?
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Logistics: The purse, charity beneficiary, and broadcast details will determine promotional traction.
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Divisional futures: Both men have full MMA kitchens still cooking. How their grappling bout aligns with their title trajectories will matter.
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Fan and media reaction: Already, the buzz is real. If built right, this could become one of the most talked-about non-title matchups in recent memory.
Final Take
When Pereira stepped into the spotlight post-victory, few expected him to call out Chimaev, let alone under grappling rules with charity on the line. But that’s exactly what happened. The landscape of combat sport thrives on surprises, and this one hits all the marks: legacy, rivalry, skill contrast, and meaning. If this bout happens, it’s not just a match, it’s a moment.
