Magomed Ankalaev once again accuses Poatan and Prochazka of avoiding a fight and surprises by suggesting a new challenger

Magomed Ankalayev in victory over Alex Poatán No. UFC 313. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ankalaev_magomed

It seems like Magomed Ankalayev got tired of waiting for Alex Poatán to make his first UFC title defense. The Russian, who dethroned the Brazilian No. UFC 313, can't wait to get back into the octagon. With Pataxó recovering from injuries and Jiri Prochazka sidelined for personal reasons, Ankalaev set about electing a challenger on his own.

In a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter), Magomed Ankalayev pointed out that Poatan is asking for more time for the rematch between them to happen. Furthermore, according to the Russian, the Brazilian wants to face him again during Ramadan. The champion also aimed his provocations at Jiri Prochazka, who had refused a duel because of his college exams. Finally, Ankalaev chose Carlos Ulberg as his next challenger.

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“Breaking news: Alex is now asking to fight me again during Ramadan. I need more time, and the other clown has to do his homework. Let me fight Carlos (Ulberg), I think he is more dangerous than all of them,” wrote Magoemd Ankalaev.

Breaking news } Alex now asking he wants to fight me during Ramadan again I need more time and the other clown he has to do his homework let me fight Carlos I think he's more dangerous than all of them

— Muhammad big ANK Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) June 29, 2025

Since he was defeated by Magomed Ankalayev No. UFC 313, by unanimous decision of the judges, Alex Poatán has been accused of refusing a rematch with the Russian. However, the reason behind the Brazilian's withdrawal is more serious than it seems. He makes it clear that he took some time off to rest and recover from some injuries and that his return will probably happen in September, October or November.

Prochazka turned down UFC 317 fight to prioritize college

Jiri Prochazka declined an offer to face Magomed Ankalayev No. UFC 317, scheduled for June 28, to prioritize the completion of his university exams. The information was confirmed by his coach, Martin Karaivanov, in an interview with the Sports.cz portal.

The Czech fighter chose to postpone negotiations until the end of the academic term, scheduled for the same month. As a result, he plans to return to the octagon only in the second semester.