UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev criticized his rivals on social media, asserting that Alex Pereira wants to schedule their rematch during Ramadan once again. Ankalaev also indirectly addressed Jiří Procházka, insinuating that the Czech fighter is focused on other matters, delaying a potential title fight.
Ankalaev secured the light heavyweight championship earlier this year by defeating Alex Pereira via unanimous decision. Fans and analysts expect an immediate rematch between the two, although the UFC has not officially confirmed the bout. The Dagestani champion expressed displeasure with Pereira’s preferred timing, as their first fight occurred during Ramadan, when Ankalaev did not fast for the contest.
Alongside his remarks about Pereira, Ankalaev took a jab at Procházka, referring to his recent university studies as a distraction from fighting. Ankalaev also showed interest in facing Carlos Ulberg next, highlighting him as possibly the most dangerous contender among his challengers.
“Alex Pereira now [saying] he wants to fight me during Ramadan again and needs more time, and the other clown, [Procházka,] has to do his homework. Let me fight Carlos, I think he’s more dangerous than all of them.”
Jiří Procházka Declines Immediate Title Fight Citing Academic Commitments
Reports revealed that Jiří Procházka turned down a title opportunity against Magomed Ankalaev, which was considered for the UFC 317 event. According to Procházka’s coach, Martin Karaivanov, the fighter was occupied with university exams in June ahead of his graduation and could not commit to a fight at that time.
In a recent interview during a car ride, Procházka confirmed that his academic responsibilities remain his primary focus. He expressed intentions to prioritize his university completion before returning to compete against Ankalaev later this year.
“I’m studying university for right now, three years, everything is settled, everything is good. I’m after the [Ankalaev] fight, it’s a little bit of time. So right now I’m focused on my target. Right now, what’s most important to me, is school. He’s a big-mouth guy, I don’t care if it’s him or his manager, because he did enough for people to stop taking him seriously. He will put himself down with all of this nonsense talking.”
Procházka, aged 32, further discussed his future fight plans, suggesting that negotiations with Ankalaev are ongoing but acknowledging the possibility of Pereira returning to face the champion instead.
“August, October, something like that. 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.”
Implications for Upcoming Light Heavyweight Matchups and the UFC Landscape
The exchanges between Ankalaev, Pereira, and Procházka reveal mounting tension within the UFC light heavyweight division. Ankalaev’s accusations toward Pereira about timing the fight during Ramadan indicate possible friction ahead of a highly anticipated rematch. Meanwhile, Procházka’s academic priorities delay his return to title contention, adding uncertainty to the matchup dynamics.
As Ankalaev calls out Carlos Ulberg as a significant threat, fans may witness new contenders entering the conversation if rematches are postponed. The outcome of these negotiations and fighter availability will crucially shape the division’s trajectory in the coming months.