The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) was shaken recently after Russian fighter Magomed Ankalaev claimed victory against Brazilian fighter Alex Pereira at UFC 313, which took place on March 9, 2025, making him the latest champion of the organization. His unanimous decision win raised eyebrows, especially after Czech fighter Jiri Prochazka, the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, labeled Ankalaev as a "fraud," igniting a fired-up discourse among fans and personalities alike.
After Judged unanimously, Ankalaev solidified his place as perhaps one of the most debated champions, now sitting at 21 wins, one draw, and one loss within his mixed martial arts (MMA) career. Opinions on Ankalaev's victory varied significantly, with Prochazka sharply criticizing it by stating, "Nobody respects his victory over Pereira."
Sporting officials reacted almost immediately to Prochazka’s comments. Budun Budunov, the Deputy Minister of Sports of Dagestan, spoke out firmly, addressing Prochazka's statements during an interview with Match TV. He said, "Prochazka's harsh remarks come across as attention-seeking, most likely hoping for a potential fight against Ankalaev." Budunov emphasized the validity of Ankalaev’s victory, dismissing any claims of wrongdoing.
Echoing Budunov's sentiments, former WBC champion Grigory Drozd also weighed in on the situation. He pointed out the significance of Ankalaev's victories and stated, "This is just Prochazka trying to grab the spotlight; Ankalaev rightfully defeated Pereira, and there should not be any question about his win, regardless of how entertaining the fight was." Drozd emphasized how Ankalaev’s championship title should be respected, reflecting the wrongness of Prochazka’s accusations of fraudulence.
Prochazka, appearing frustrated, responded to these critiques on The Ariel Helwani Show, insisting, “When I met him in Las Vegas, he was charming. Now he’s playing games and acting like the big gangster.” He also expressed concerns about Ankalaev's fight style, asserting, "I always give 100% during my matches. It’s not the same for him, who seems to prefer running away when the fight gets tough. The real fraud here is Ankalaev!"
Jeff Monson, another fighter, joined the fray, condemning Prochazka, stating, “Prochazka’s remarks are ridiculous. Ankalaev’s victory was decisive. How can he now be labeled as fraudulent?” Monson criticized Prochazka for casting doubt on Ankalaev’s championship pedigree, asserting, “There’s no room for someone like Prochazka, who seeks to stir up drama, within the octagon.”
Many UFC fans and analysts are torn over Prochazka's opinion. While some support Prochazka's belief of bringing excitement to the UFC, others feel he is merely seeking to make headlines after being sidelined as champion himself.
Current statistics reveal the careers of both fighters: Ankalaev owns 21 wins, one draw, and one loss, with the one fight being deemed no contest. On the other hand, Pereira's current record sits at 12 wins and three losses. The immediate history of MMA indicates this victory could position Ankalaev for future defenses or higher-profile matchups.
The spotlight will remain bright on Ankalaev as he navigates the scrutiny and anticipation of new challengers who may be encouraged by Prochazka’s statements. Will this lead to the anticipated bout between Ankalaev and Prochazka? Time will tell. The UFC community will be watching closely, wondering not only how these events will influence rankings but also how they reflect the personalities involved.
With the UFC’s popularity surging, especially following this championship battle, discussions surrounding sportsmanship, integrity, and rivalry have never been more intense or entertaining. Going forward, both the organization and its fighters will need to manage their narratives skillfully as they strive to engage and grow their audiences.