The UFC light heavyweight has lost a champion again. Give Ankalaev a chance now!
Alexander Frolov July 14, 2023, 1:00 PM Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
Unfortunately, the Russian can get past the title fight again.
The UFC’s light heavyweight division has been downright unlucky of late. It seems like they fight big, tough guys there, but Dana White constantly criticizes light heavyweights for their low entertainment and complains about the lack of world-class stars. That’s what the division lacks, so it’s legal scandals and injuries. With injuries, it is especially sad: relatively recently, the champion Jiri Prochazka relinquished the title to heal from a serious injury. It seemed that this was a unique case, but now another champion voluntarily relinquished the belt – Jamal Hill!
“Everyone knows that I have been waiting for several months to meet Prochaska and defend my belt and title. Unfortunately, we will have to wait a bit. I tore my Achilles tendon. It’s just one of those things that can happen. Now I have to have surgery. Then the rehabilitation will come, which will take some time. At one time, having received an injury, Jiri Prochazka refused the belt so that the division would not stand still. I’m going to do the same. The most important thing right now is to focus on recovery,” Hill said.
What will happen now with the title? It seems that Magomed Ankalaev should be given a second chance to win the belt. The Russian follows a series of nine wins and one draw, which happened right in the title fight with Jan Blachowicz. Remember that Ankalaev then confidently took three rounds out of five, but the judges issued a frankly strange decision, declaring a draw. After that, the evil Dana White jumped into the octagon, scolded Magomed and Yan for being unsightly and appointed a new title fight, without a Russian and a Pole.
Why Magomed is not quite suitable for the UFC:
Everyone forgot about Ankalaev. The Russian star is considered too boring for the UFC
Yes, Ankalaev is now the most logical candidate for the championship fight. Playing the belt between Magomed and Prochazka is an ideal option, fair for everyone. But justice is the last thing the UFC cares about. The matchmakers of the promotion and White personally do not hide the fact that they frankly do not like Magomed. Our compatriot is absolutely non-confrontational on social networks, does not get angry at press conferences and is focused on sports.
But this does not suit White, who needs noise and scandals. Therefore, if Ankalaev leaves a title shot behind, few will be surprised. The belt could well be at stake in the next fight between Jan Blachowicz and Alex Pereira. Yes, Blachowicz isn’t White’s favorite either, but the UFC president just adores the Brazilian. Let’s see what decides the promotion of the light heavyweight championship. But Ankalaev definitely deserved a second shot at the title.
