Light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev has publicly criticized Jiri Prochazka, accusing him of avoiding a fight. Ankalaev stated that Carlos Ulberg was correct in calling Prochazka an imposter and claimed Prochazka never truly wanted to fight him. He further described Prochazka as the easiest fight in the division. The post suggests that fans are eager for the matchup to finally take place. No official fight announcement or timeline was provided.
Magomed Ankalaev has gone on the offensive against Jiri Prochazka, publicly accusing the Czech contender of ducking a fight and declaring him the easiest matchup available in the light heavyweight division.
Ankalaev, ranked first in the light heavyweight division and fifth pound-for-pound, carries a record of 21-2-1 and has established himself as one of the most complete fighters in the 205-pound class. The 34-year-old Russian out of Gorets Fight Club stands six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach and averages 0.79 takedowns per 15 minutes, giving him a well-rounded threat that combines consistent wrestling with disciplined striking. In his public callout, Ankalaev also backed comments made by Carlos Ulberg, who had previously labeled Prochazka an imposter, and claimed Prochazka never genuinely wanted to step into the cage with him.
Prochazka, currently ranked second in the division, holds a record of 32-6-1 and is one of the more dangerous strikers at light heavyweight. The 33-year-old Czech fighter trains out of Jetsaam Gym Brno and brings a lengthy six-foot-three frame with an exceptional 80-inch reach. He lands 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, making him a consistent offensive threat. Ankalaev's comments directly challenge both Prochazka's willingness and his standing in the division.
Ulberg, the third-ranked light heavyweight whose comments Ankalaev endorsed, is 15-1-0 and fights out of City Kickboxing in New Zealand. The 35-year-old leads all three fighters in striking output, landing 6.54 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Ankalaev sits one spot above Prochazka in the rankings, making a bout between them a direct title eliminator
- A win for either fighter would almost certainly set up a championship challenge
- The stylistic contrast — Ankalaev's wrestling-heavy approach against Prochazka's high-volume, unorthodox striking — represents one of the more compelling matchups the division can offer
- No official fight date or promotional confirmation has been announced
