Khamzat Chimaev’s coach welcomes Alex Pereira superfight, but advises ‘Poatan’ not to take it
MMA Fighting
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Khamzat Chimaev’s coach, Alan “Finfou” do Nascimento, has advised against a potential superfight between Chimaev and Alex Pereira. Instead, he suggests that Pereira should move up to heavyweight to pursue becoming the first UFC fighter to win titles in three different weight classes. This would not only solidify his legacy but also financially benefit him due to the increased attention and revenue such a fight would generate.
Nascimento explained that fighting Chimaev at this stage doesn’t make sense for Pereira, as he has the opportunity to achieve something unprecedented by securing a third title. The coach emphasized that moving up to heavyweight allows Pereira to fight for a belt with greater historical significance, rather than taking unnecessary risks in a superfight.
From a financial perspective, Nascimento noted that such a move would likely sell a lot of tickets and generate significant interest. However, he also acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to a new weight class, particularly for Chimaev, who would need time to acclimate to light heavyweight. Despite this, both fighters are seen as phenomenal athletes with “unbreakable minds,” having risen from difficult beginnings to become MMA stars.
Nascimento predicts that if such a fight were to happen, it would be a clash of styles: Chimaev relying on his grappling and takedown skills, while Pereira counters with striking and submission attempts. Ultimately, the fighter who can impose their strategy and control the pace of the fight would have the upper hand.
This advice highlights the strategic considerations behind high-stakes MMA decisions, balancing risk, legacy, and financial gain. For fans of sports and MMA enthusiasts, this insight into the minds of fighters and their coaches offers a deeper understanding of the sport’s competitive landscape and the lengths athletes go to achieve greatness.
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/25/2026