Former champion ignores Borrachinha and points to the ideal opponent for Ankalaev in the UFC.

Ankalaev focused before the fight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

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Chris Weidman dismissed the possibility of a confrontation between Paulo Borrachinha and Magomed Ankalaev and suggested a different path for the Russian in the UFC. After defeating Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi , held last Saturday (25), the Dagestani fighter became a contender to face the Brazilian for the number one contender spot in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg). However, for Anderson Silva 's executioner , Ankalaev should have another opponent next.

During an appearance on the 'Deep Waters' program, Weidman argued that the ideal next step for Ankalaev would be a duel against Jiri Prochazka , highlighting that the confrontation between the two has not yet happened and could more fairly define the true challenger for the division's belt.

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“How about Jiri versus Ankalaev for the real number one contender spot? They haven’t fought yet. Jiri and Ankalaev, why don’t we make this fight happen?” said Chris Weidman.

Despite Carlos Ulberg being the current light heavyweight champion, the division is moving towards creating an interim belt sometime in 2026. This is because the New Zealander suffered a knee injury in his victory over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327 in April, and expects to return to the octagon only in 2027.

Given this scenario, Paulo Borrachinha and Magomed Ankalaev emerge as the main contenders to compete for the interim title, as they are the only names at the top of the category who are coming off a victory.

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