Prochazka claims that Poatan will not have a rematch with Ankalaev and fires at the Russian: 'He harms himself alone'

Jiri Prochazka He is a former UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/@UFCEurope

The UFC light heavyweight (up to 93kg) scene is in flux, and Jiri Prochaka has a hunch about what will happen. The former champion, currently focused on completing university studies in the Czech Republic, predicted that Alex Poatán won't face Magomed Ankalayev in an immediate rematch for the belt.

In an interview with 'Full Violence', the Czech believes that Poatan should face another fighter upon his return to the octagon. He also revealed that he plans to return to action between 'August or October'.

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“August, October, something like that. I believe Pereira (Alex Poatán) will not fight, so my manager is trying to continue negotiating the fight with Ankalaev. If Pereira fights him, I will fight someone else, but I am focused on Ankalaev next,” Jiri said.

Prochazka was not shy in his criticism of the current title holder. Labelling Ankalaev a 'big mouth guy', the Czech accused the Russian of undermining his own credibility.

“He has done enough for people to stop taking him seriously. That is not how a champion should talk (…) He will only hurt himself with this meaningless role,” added the former champion.

Poatan x Prochazka may not happen

The uncertainty about the rematch between Poatan and Ankalaev persists despite the mutual confirmation of interest. The Brazilian, after resting to recover physically, is targeting September, October or November. He also tried to provoke his opponent by saying that Magomed is only relevant if his name is mentioned.

Through his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, Ankalaev has set a deadline and guarantees that he will wait only until the Abu Dhabi event in October for the second fight. If an agreement is not reached, he will seek another challenger.

Poatan was accused of 'playing dirty' against Ankalaev

The atmosphere has been heated since Ankalaev won the first fight by unanimous decision, by UFC 313. Shukhrab Magomedov, Magomed's coach, claims that Poatan used 'slippery substances' (Vaseline) during the first fight.

Despite his impeccable defense against Ankalaev's takedowns, the Brazilian had trouble stopping the Russian on his feet. The challenger surprised with his precision in strikes such as the straight that hit Poatan's face in the second round, a crucial moment in which the Brazilian retreated to recover.