Ankalaev stirs UFC's light heavyweight division with bold challenges to Rountree and Prochazka
Magomed Ankalaev has responded to recent footage of Khalil Rountree Jr. training alongside Khamzat Chimaev, He downplayed the American's focus on wrestling while pushing for a striking battle between the two.
The top ranked light heavyweight acknowledged Rountree's preparation but suggested that grappling would not be necessary for their potential matchup. Ankalaev took to X and wrote:
"Khalil, my man, I see you training a lot of wrestling with Khamzat. But in reality you don't need it, all I would love to do with you is 25 mins of very high level striking master class if you can last this long."
The matchup gains relevance as the light heavyweight division remains unsettled following Carlos Ulberg's injury at UFC 327. Ulberg captured the vacant title with a first round knockout of Jiri Prochazka despite suffering a torn ACL, but is now expected to be sidelined for up to a year after surgery.
With the champion inactive, Ankalaev, currently ranked number one, is among the leading contenders being considered for a high stakes bout. Rountree, ranked fourth, has also been linked to the same discussions following his recent run in the division.
Reports indicate the UFC is exploring interim title options to keep the division active, with Ankalaev and Rountree seemingly among the primary names in contention.
Magomed Ankalaev reacts after Jiri Prochazka gets stopped by Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327
Magomed Ankalaev responded sharply after Jiri Prochazka's first round knockout loss to Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327 in Miami.
Prochazka was dropped by a left hook after pressing Ulberg against the fence, with the finish coming despite his opponent fighting through a knee injury earlier in the round. The result crowned a new light heavyweight champion and added another setback to Prochazka's recent run.
Ankalaev questioned Prochazka's standing in the title picture following the defeat in a series of X posts. He wrote:
"Jiri never talk about me again. You only can talk about me if you wanna fight none of these guys are my level congratulation, Carlos... Prochazka been knocked out three of his last six fights. I don't wanna hear his name anymore in the title picture enough is enough."
"Jiri Prochazka He kept kicking Carlos's legs. He did not show him any mercy. Fake! @jiri_bjp let's fight next I dare you to call me out."
