Magomed Ankalaev solidified his position as the number one contender at light heavyweight by defeating Johnny Walker at UFC Vegas 84. However, the champion, Alex Pereira, has fought Jamahal Hill and will fight Jiri Prochazka since then. Ankalaev attended the recent UFC Saudi Arabia, where he previewed and picked the winner of Pereira vs Prochazka II.
Prochazka vs. Pereira Fight, a 50/50 Contest
Many consider Ankalaev the biggest stylistic threat to all the top light heavyweights in the UFC. The Russian’s sole defeat in professional MMA was a fluke last-second submission loss to Paul Craig, an expert at it. Since that loss on his UFC debut, Ankalaev is unbeaten in 12 fights. While watching UFC Saudi Arabia, Akalaev discussed the UFC 303 main event on UFC Eurasia.
“50/50, I think. If the fight lasts to the end, then Prochazka can win on Points. And So, I think Pereira,” Ankalaev revealed his pick for the fight, disregarding the chances of the Brazilian and Czech Republican against himself. After he defeated Walker, the Russian challenged Alex Pereira to a standup battle, which many felt played into the champion.
Anakalaev had shown lapses in judgment multiple times. The first time was on his promotional debut against Craig. Moreover, he fought to a split draw against Jan Blachowicz for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 282. In the early rounds, the Russian struck with Blachowicz, a credentialled power puncher, before utilizing wrestling, his bread and butter, ultimately not winning the fight.
Furthermore, Ankalaev blatantly kneed Walker, a downed opponent, at UFC 294, leading to a No-Contest result. Many felt that Walker should’ve won the fight via disqualification. However, he luckily scraped via No-Contest and knocked out the Brazilian in the rematch at UFC Vegas 84. If he chooses to make mistakes against Pereira or Prochazka, the Russian will likely suffer the first KO/TKO loss in his MMA career.
