Magomed Ankalaev counters prevailing narrative, predicts scenario in which Jiří Procházka can beat Alex Pereira at UFC 303

Magomed Ankalaev does not believe that an Alex Pereira win at UFC 303 is a certainty. During a recent cage-side sitdown, which appears to have been at UFC Saudi Arabia, the light heavyweight contender shared his thoughts on the 205-pound division, including UFC 303's marquee matchup.

According to Ankalaev, both 'Poatan' and Jiří Procházka have an equal chance of emerging victorious. He further opined that the Czech samurai should be favored in a scenario where the fight goes to decision, believing that the latter can win on points, likely due to his edge in five-round experience.

Ankalaev said:

"50/50, I think. If the fight lasts to the end, then [Jiří] Procházka can win on points, and so, I think Pereira."

When asked who he would prefer to fight, Ankalaev was dismissive of the question, asserting only that he wants to capture light heavyweight gold. He further claimed that neither Pereira nor Procházka are at his level.

"I don't care anymore who I will fight with. I want to fight for the belt, and neither one nor the other can compete with me."

Check out Magomed Ankalaev's thoughts on the UFC 303 main event (0:16):

Ankalaev is currently unbeaten in 12 fights, though two of his last three bouts aren't wins. Prior to his thunderous knockout of Johnny Walker, he had a no-contest against the Brazilian. An accidental, illegal knee to Walker when he was on the ground rendered the latter unable to continue fighting.

Before that, he had fought former light heavyweight kingpin Jan Błachowicz to a controversial draw in what remains his lone crack at 205-pound gold.

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Magomed Ankalaev had called out Alex Pereira for a fight in Abu Dhabi

In a pair of since-deleted tweets, Magomed Ankalaev challenged reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira to a title fight in Abu Dhabi. The call-out left many scratching their heads as Ankalaev, the challenger, sought to determine where and when the fight would take place: a champion's privilege.

Ultimately, Pereira rejected the streaking Dagestani's demands, as there is an Abu Dhabi card in place later in the year. 'Poatan' also wanted to fight earlier, which he did by taking on and knocking out former champion Jamahal Hill at UFC 300.