MMA
What's next for new UFC champion Magomed Ankalaev?
On Saturday night, Magomed Ankalaev became the new UFC light heavyweight champion when he defeted Alex Pereira via decision. The fight was close, but there were moments when Ankalaev made the former champion look like a shell of himself. Now that the title has changed hands, what will be the next steps in the 205-pound division?
According to UFC president Dana White, he thinks an immediate rematch will be the most likely next step for the division, stalling an already log-jammed list of viable men.
“It was not what I expected,” White told reporters at the UFC 313 post-fight press conference. “I expected a lot more shooting. I expected a lot more exchanges. I don’t know if I had the exact score in my head, but I thought Ankalaev won the fight. I wasn’t shocked when I heard the decision.”
When asked if a rematch was next, White said, “Probably."
This means the men itching for another shot at the title now that Pereira is out of the way will have to wait a bit longer.
One of the most viable men waiting in the wings is former champion Jiri Prochazka. At first Prochazka suggested a third shot at Pereira but then he changed his tune and suggested he get a shot and the new champion, tweeting, “Or better idea. Let’s go straightly [sic] to hunt the title”
Another man clamoring to get back to the top is former champion Jamahal Hill, who predicted the outcome of the fight.
Some other names that have been tossed around are Aleksandar Rakic, Khalil Rountree Jr. and even Dominick Reyes. Whatever happens, it's going to be an interesting time to be a light heavyweight
