UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has publicly challenged light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, urging him to meet him in the Octagon as part of the promotion’s planned White House event in June 2026. The callout adds to an ongoing dialogue in the MMA world about potential champion-versus-champion fights and the direction of both fighters’ careers.

Chimaev, undefeated in his professional career and the current holder of the 185-pound title, took to social media with a direct message aimed at Pereira. “Let’s go White House. Don’t worry, I will finish you fast Alex Pereira,” he wrote, expressing confidence that he would secure a quick victory if the matchup were booked.

Not content with a single post, Chimaev followed up with another message directed at Pereira’s fanbase. “All Brazilian fans tell this boy if you’re not scared tell him to fight,” he added, challenging Pereira and inviting public pressure from supporters.

The proposed UFC White House event has been discussed as a historic card with multiple title fights, although specific bouts have not yet been officially confirmed. Chimaev has previously stated a desire to defend his middleweight title before moving up a weight class to pursue a second championship at light heavyweight. Facing Pereira — who reclaimed the light heavyweight belt late last year — would align with that goal if the bout were to be sanctioned.

Pereira’s recent activity suggests he is considering other options, including the possibility of moving up in weight to pursue different high-profile matchups rather than competing at the White House card as currently planned. That has left Chimaev’s callout without an immediate response from the Brazilian champion.

Chimaev captured the middleweight crown with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319, extending his undefeated record and cementing his status at 185 pounds. Pereira, meanwhile, finished opponent Magomed Ankalaev in the first round to regain the light heavyweight title.

Reaction among fans and commentators has been mixed. Some see the Chimaev-Pereira matchup as a compelling super fight between two reigning champions with contrasting styles, while others view it as unlikely due to weight-class priorities and Pereira’s growing interest in alternate challenges.

As plans for the White House event continue to take shape, and as matchmakers begin to finalize the card in the months ahead, Chimaev’s challenge remains part of the conversation. Whether Pereira accepts the callout, or whether the UFC chooses to pursue a champion-versus-champion bout for that historic card, is still unresolved — but Chimaev has made his intentions unmistakably clear.