Magomed Ankalaev has been seeking a proper knock ever since claiming the light heavyweight title. He recently issued a bold callout on X, writing: “Guys, is there anyone in the Light Heavyweight division willing to fight me? Because Jiri and Alex don’t want to.” ‘Big Ank’s message definitely caught the attention of several contenders, but it failed to draw a response from Alex Pereira or Jiri Prochazka—the names that would make for a true superfight.
‘Poatan’ has fought four times in a calendar year, saving UFC’s flagship events, especially UFC 303, where the Brazilian replaced Conor McGregor and faced Jiri Prochazka in a rematch, also salvaged UFC 307 in the process, which was shaping up to be a lackluster card. ‘BJP’ performed exceptionally well whenever matched with a solid opponent. However, both refused to fight Ankalaev because Pereira wanted more time, and Prochazka is currently pursuing his education.
Well, both of them are catching some heat online for refusing to fight Magomed Ankalaev. However, Michael Bisping offered a counterpoint during the Believe You Me podcast with Paul Felder, shutting down the criticism against the former champions.
‘The Count’ said: “Fair play, I don’t blame Jiri Prochazka, and I don’t blame Pereira, to be honest. I mean, it wasn’t short notice—this was a couple of weeks ago. Now, 317 is about five weeks away, so it still would’ve been essentially a full camp. But regardless, Prochazka has already lost to Pereira twice. If he were to get another title fight — would that be his third or fourth? Because he’s been the champ. If he loses that one again, he’s not getting another shot. So I don’t blame him.”
Bisping does have a point. Someone like Alex Pereira is never out of a fight, especially after saving the promotion multiple times. Taking on a dangerous champion like Magomed Ankalaev without a full camp could easily backfire. Both Pereira and Prochazka have reportedly agreed to fight in August, which seems like a more realistic timeline to look forward to. Additionally, the October card in Abu Dhabi remains an option, where ‘Poatan’ will hopefully be ready to make his return.
June 29, 2024, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: ALEX PEREIRA red of Brazil against JIRI PROCHAZKA of the Czech Republic in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 303 event at T-Mobile Arena. Las Vegas USA – ZUMAv122 20240629_aap_v122_174 Copyright: xWilliamxVolcovx
For Jiri Prochazka, Bisping’s statement rings even truer. Despite his impressive win over Jamahal Hill at UFC 311, he should be cautious with his next move. Prochazka has a history of accepting short-notice fights. But considering that his winning the title back is likely at stake, he’ll definitely need a full camp to prepare properly for his next opponent.
So, it looks like Magomed Ankalaev won’t be getting an opponent anytime soon. However, a former UFC fighter and legend has suggested a very worthy challenger, someone who could pose a serious threat if matched up with Ankalaev. Let’s take a look at what he had to say.
Josh Thomson names Carlos Ulberg as Magomed Ankalaev’s next opponent
The current 205-pound kingpin has called out everyone in his division, and even received a response from former opponent Jan Blachowicz, who’s eager to settle their UFC 282 draw. Jailton Almeida also showed interest for a few days. However, one name that didn’t come up much in this whirlwind of callouts and responses was Carlos Ulberg. According to former UFC fighter Josh Thomson, #3 light heavyweight would make a solid short-notice opponent for Ankalaev.
During the Weighing In podcast, Thomson said: “What you have is Jamahal Hill coming off a loss, Jan Blachowicz coming off a loss, Aleksandar Rakic coming off a loss, Khalil Rountree Jr. coming off a loss. Dominick Reyes is number eight, he’s got a win. You’ve got Carlos Ulberg, that’s it, at number three. You have Jiri but Jiri can’t fight. I mean, throw, I would say Ulberg, put him in there, see if Ankalaev will stand with him as well.
This would be a solid match-up. Ulberg is coming off an impressive win over Jan Blachowicz at UFC London, where he handled the famed ‘Polish Power’ with composure and skill. With his measured yet powerful style, he could certainly present problems for the current champion. However, will the UFC make this fight happen? The chances seem slim, mainly because the promotion is unlikely to risk jeopardizing the highly anticipated super-rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev.
With that being said, do you think that Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka are ducking Magomed Ankalaev? Or are they waiting for the right moment? Also, would you be interested in the Ankalaev vs Ulberg clash? Please let us know your thoughts by commenting below.
The post “I Don’t Blame Pereira” – Alex Pereira & Jiri Prochazka Saved From Backlash of Rejecting Magomed Ankalaev Fight appeared first on EssentiallySports.