Alex Pereira, who lost the UFC light heavyweight championship to Magomed Ankalaev in March, faces uncertainty regarding an immediate title rematch. Pereira was unable to handle Ankalaev’s forward pressure, resulting in a unanimous decision loss. Following the fight, Pereira posted a critical message about the UFC on social media, which he later deleted, claiming his account had been hacked. This sequence of events raises questions about what lies ahead for Pereira in the 205-pound division, as speculation grows about his next fight.
Jiri Prochazka’s Expectations for UFC Title Bouts at Light Heavyweight
In a recent interview with Full Violence, top contender Jiri Prochazka discussed his plans for returning to the Octagon and shared his views on the upcoming UFC title fight at 205 pounds. Prochazka indicated that he does not expect Pereira to receive an immediate rematch against Ankalaev. Pointing to negotiations his team is making, Prochazka said,
“I believe Pereira isn’t going to fight [Ankalaev], so my manager is trying to keep negotiating the fight with Ankalaev. If Pereira will fight with him, I will fight with somebody else, but I’m focused on Ankalaev after that.”
Prochazka estimated his own return might occur around August or October, suggesting a potential reshuffling of top contenders for the next title shot.
Prochazka Criticizes Magomed Ankalaev’s Attitude and Approach
The rivalry between Prochazka and Ankalaev has intensified, particularly through social media exchanges. Prochazka has described Ankalaev’s demeanor as problematic, implying overconfidence could be his weakness. He expressed strong criticism, stating,
“He’s a big mouth. He’s a big mouth guy,”
“I don’t care really [who runs his Twitter]. Right now I really don’t care about that because he did enough to [make me want to] stop him, to take him seriously. This is not how the champ have to speak … He will put himself down by himself just by this nonsense talking.”
These remarks reveal deep-seated tension between the fighters and underscore Prochazka’s focus on taking down Ankalaev, rather than waiting for Pereira to step back into the championship spotlight.
What the Future Holds for the UFC Light Heavyweight Division
The UFC has not yet announced confirmed plans for the next light heavyweight championship matchup. With Pereira’s status unclear and Prochazka intent on contesting Ankalaev, the title picture at 205 pounds remains in flux. Fans and analysts can expect updates soon as negotiations progress and the UFC determines the best path forward for the division’s leading contenders, highlighting ongoing drama and competition at the top levels of the sport.