Magomed Ankalaev’s seismic victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 313 didn’t just crown a new light heavyweight king—it ignited a firestorm of ambition across the division. The Dagestani’s tactical masterclass, which dethroned Pereira via unanimous decision, drew mixed reactions, with critics labeling the Brazilian’s performance “uncharacteristic.” As Pereira vowed to adjust for a potential rematch, UFC president Dana White hinted at an immediate sequel, calling their clash “too close to ignore.”
But while the spotlight lingers on Pereira’s redemption bid, another top contender has thrown down the gauntlet, demanding a shot at Ankalaev’s freshly claimed throne.
Ankalaev claps back at surprise challenger
The bold callout came from former champion Jiri Prochazka, who wasted no time staking his claim. Despite losing twice to Pereira—including a brutal knockout in their 2023 rematch—Prochazka publicly challenged Magomed Ankalaev mere hours after UFC 313, even offering Pereira an unlikely trilogy. The Czech star’s audacity raised eyebrows, especially given his recent setbacks. But Ankalaev, never one to shy from confrontation, swiftly fired back:
“If they want a war, I’ll give them one. This belt isn’t going anywhere.”
Prochazka’s move complicates White’s tentative rematch plans. The UFC CEO had praised Pereira’s reign, calling it “too impressive to end here,” but Ankalaev’s dominance has reshuffled the deck. “The division’s stacked, but Pereira deserves another shot,” White admitted post-fight. Yet Prochazka’s hunger for redemption—or perhaps relevance—adds a wildcard twist.
Magomed Ankalaev’s reign begins
Ankalaev’s win was a clinic in precision. Neutralizing Pereira’s lethal striking with calculated footwork and grappling, he exposed cracks in the Brazilian’s armor. “He ran for 25 minutes,” Ankalaev scoffed during the post-fight presser.
“This is MMA, not a sprint.” While Pereira’s social media pledge to “adjust and return stronger” resonated with fans, Ankalaev’s confidence remains unshaken. “Let him try. I’ll be waiting.”
The Dagestani’s stoic demeanor contrasts sharply with Prochazka’s mystical bravado. Where Prochazka thrives on chaos, Magomed Ankalaev weaponizes discipline—a clash of styles that promises fireworks. But with White leaning toward Pereira’s rematch, Prochazka’s path hinges on sheer audacity.
“I respect his courage,” Ankalaev conceded, “but courage doesn’t win titles.”
What’s next? A division in flux
The light heavyweight landscape now teeters between past and future. Pereira’s star power and White’s rematch push loom large, but Prochazka’s relentless self-promotion keeps him in the mix. Meanwhile, Ankalaev—long criticized for cautious performances—has silenced doubters by toppling MMA’s most feared striker.
As the dust settles, one truth emerges: Magomed Ankalaev’s reign won’t be quiet. Whether defending against Pereira’s redemption arc or Prochazka’s hunger, the new champ has a target on his back. And if his response to Prochazka’s callout is any indication, he’s ready to fight fire with ice-cold focus.