Alex Poatan responds to Khamzat Chimaev and issues a challenge with special rules; understand why.

Poatan at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

No matter how much he is campaigning to fight with Jon Jones at the White House, Alex Poatán He doesn't fail to pay attention to other potential opponents. In this context, the current light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) was not intimidated by the provocation of... Khamzat Shimaev and countered the Chechen with a completely unexpected challenge in a video posted on social media this Wednesday (12). Known for his striking credentials, the Brazilian proposed a grappling duel against the newly crowned king of the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg).

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In a video posted on the champion's official Instagram account, the former two-time Glory Kickbozing champion offered himself up to face Borz at UFC BJJ, a new grappling event promoted by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Furthermore, he also pledged to donate his entire purse to charity.

“The guy keeps saying he wants to fight me, he’s still a long way off, he has to get there. Now, I can challenge him to a fight in his area, if he wants. Let’s fight in grappling. And another thing, we can fight in UFC BJJ. Let’s make it happen! I don’t even know how much I’ll earn, I know it’s a good amount of money, especially since you know who I am. And 100% of that money will be donated to charity. Is that good enough for you? Call me,” said Poatan, in a provocative tone along with Glover Teixeira.

Alex Pereira calls out Khamzat Shimaev for a grappling match at UFC BJJ and to donate 100% of money to charity:

"[Chimaev] says he wants to fight me, he's gotta get there. He's far.

But I could challenge him to a fight in his area. Let's fight in grappling. UFC BJJ, let's… pic.twitter.com/IbaCDoFo8n

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) November 12, 2025

Despite being a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, grappling is often cited as the Brazilian's main weakness, despite his worldwide reputation as a kickboxer. In contrast, Chimaev has become known for bringing an intense chain wrestling game to the octagon combined with a grappling style honed by the legend Alan Finfou.

Khamzat Chimaev offended Poatan and Glover Teixeira

Chimaev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/khamzat_chimaev

The Brazilian's statement came in response to provocations from the Chechen. Recently and unexpectedly, the current middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) stated that he was capable of beating not only Poatan, but also Glover TeixeiraAt 46 years old, Glover has been retired from MMA since the beginning of 2023, when he was defeated by... Jamahal hill In the heart of Rio de Janeiro.