Dana White responds to rumors Alex Pereira and Khamzat Chimaev are both considering new weight classes

MMA Fighting

February 23, 2026

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Dana White, the UFC’s president, has been forced to address rumors swirling around two of its top champions, Alex Pereira and Khamzat Chimaev, who are both considering moves to new weight classes. While White is typically cautious about current champions jumping divisions without a clear reason, he hinted that he might be open to supporting Pereira’s potential move up to heavyweight, especially since the fighter has consistently shown willingness to adapt and take on new challenges. On the other hand, White emphasized the importance of Chimaev defending his middleweight title before exploring any changes, signaling that the organization prioritizes title defense over experimentation. Alex Pereira, a two-time light heavyweight champion with an impressive history in the UFC, is at the center of these rumors. With the heavyweight division currently in flux following Tom Aspinall’s injury, speculation has grown about Pereira targeting an interim title challenge against Ciryl Gane. White acknowledged Pereira’s unique position in UFC history and hinted that if the fighter truly desires a new direction, the organization would support it. This stance reflects Pereira’s established legacy and his reputation for being adaptable and reliable. Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev, the newly crowned middleweight champion, has generated buzz by hinting at a potential move to light heavyweight. However, White expressed a different approach for Chimaev, stating that he would prefer the fighter defend his title before considering any elevation in weight class. This reflects a broader UFC strategy of ensuring champions establish dominance in their current divisions before exploring new opportunities. This situation highlights the delicate balance between allowing fighters to pursue historical achievements and maintaining the integrity of established weight classes. For fans of MMA, the potential for both Pereira and Chimaev to make significant strides in new divisions adds excitement to the sport’s future. Whether it’s Pereira attempting to become a three-division champion or Chimaev solidifying his status as a dominant force in middleweight, these developments

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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/23/2026