Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Poatan may face each other next year (Photo: Montage/SUPER LUTAS)
After Jan Blachowicz gave his opinion on the outcome of a possible fight between Alex Poatan and Magomed Ankalaev , now it was Jiri Prochazka 's turn to weigh in on one of the most talked-about subjects at the end of the year. Having been a victim of the Brazilian twice, losing the light heavyweight title (up to 93kg) to him at UFC 295 and then in the rematch at UFC 303 , the Czech fighter shares the same opinion as his Polish rival that Ankalaev still needs a lot of "beans" to achieve anything against the best fighter of 2024.
In an interview with The Ariel Helwani Show, Prochazka downplayed the chances of the Dagestani fighter dethroning the current UFC light heavyweight champion, despite his current good form. Ankalaev remains undefeated in the organization, with 13 wins.
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“I don’t think so [Ankalaev has no chance of beating Poatan], especially if he fights like he’s been saying he’s going to fight, just striking. Sorry, no [chance]. If Alex is in the same shape he’s shown in his last fights, 100% no. [Ankalaev] is winning his fights, but he’s not showing his performance. But he’s still winning. So, let’s see,” Prochazka analyzed.
Ankalaev and Poatan have been exchanging barbs in the second half of this year, with the Brazilian always responding to the Russian's provocations, but never giving him 'much moral authority'. Ankalaev accuses his rival of running away from a fight with him and the UFC of protecting him, while Poatan claims that the Russian has a boring fighting style. Ironic that Ankalaev, who is strong in grappling, has never submitted anyone in the UFC. Perhaps this is the flaw in the performance that Prochazka referred to.
Whether Poatan and Ankalaev will face each other next year, only time will tell, as the Brazilian has been hinting at a move up to the heavyweight division (up to 120,2kg), where he would face champion Jon Jones . Meanwhile, Prochazka awaits his next fight against the 'loudmouth' Jamahal Hill at UFC 311 , the first numbered event of 2025.
Poatan and Ankalaev
The fight between Alex Poatan and Magomed Ankalaev should be the next title fight in the light heavyweight division. The Brazilian, champion since November 2023, has already successfully defended his belt three times, against Jamahal Hill , Jiri Prochazka , and Khalil Rountree . Magomed Ankalaev has proven to be one of the top names in the division by stringing together 13 wins, which led him to the top of the rankings and the first position in line for a title shot.
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