In the aftermath of UFC 313, everyone was so busy contemplating what lay ahead for Alex Pereira, that they forgot the man of the hour – Magomed Ankalaev. The UFC light heavyweight belt did not stay in anyone’s hands after Jon Jones vacated it until Pereira came along. So, Ankalaev has big shoes to fill, and all the focus needs to be on his first title defense. While the fight lacked the spectacular moments that many had expected, Ankalaev’s steady approach and tactical genius were sufficient to secure victory. But is this well-rounded skillset enough to stay at the top?

Now that he has claimed the throne, his first championship defense will be equally important in establishing his legacy in the division. Although Ankalaev has already revealed his desire for a rematch with Pereira, the UFC has other choices to explore. With Jiri Prochazka looking for another title shot and Jan Blachowicz remaining a dark horse in the category, the light heavyweight division is rife with possibilities. So, who will head honcho Dana White pick from this stacked division? Well, here are three possible matchups for Magomed Ankalaev’s first title defense.

Alex Pereira

The most logical choice for Magomed Ankalaev’s first title defense is a rematch against Alex Pereira. UFC CEO Dana White has already hinted that a second fight is “probably” on the road, which makes sense considering the outcome of their previous confrontation. Many people, including MMA analysts Brendan Schaub and Kenny Florian, believed ‘Poatan’ had done enough to win, which fueled debate about the judging. The Brazilian fighter himself resorted to social media, promising to make the required changes and return stronger if given another chance.

The Russian, for his part, has accepted the idea of a rematch but has criticized Alex Pereira‘s performance. Magomed Ankalaev accused the Brazilian of “running for 20 straight minutes” rather than engaging in a serious fight. If this rematch occurs, ‘Poatan’ may have a chance at redemption while also allowing Ankalaev to demonstrate his supremacy in a more decisive manner. With fan interest still high and considerable controversy surrounding the outcome, a second match between these two will definitely be the most appealing choice.

Jiri Prochazka

Jiri Prochazka had hoped for a trilogy fight with Pereira, but since UFC 313, his focus has switched to the new champion. The Czech fighter has made it obvious that he wants to face Magomed Ankalaev, citing the Russian’s fighting style and trash talk as additional motivation. Unlike Alex Pereira, who took a more cautious approach, Prochazka is known for his aggressive and unpredictable striking, which might get the Russian the action-packed one-on-one that he truly desires.

A matchup between Prochazka and the light heavyweight champion would be a true clash of styles. Magomed Ankalaev’s meticulous hitting and wrestling would face up against Prochazka’s wild, high-pressure striking. Given Dana White’s dissatisfaction with UFC 313’s lack of enthusiasm, a bout with Prochazka could be the perfect way to reignite the light heavyweight division. And to make things more interesting, the duo are already engaging in a war of words, calling each other out on social media.

Jan Blachowicz

Jan Blachowicz may not be the loudest name in the title race, but he is still one of the most likely competitors for Magomed Ankalaev. The two previously fought in a controversial split draw at UFC 282 in 2022, with many feeling Blachowicz won the opening three rounds. Since then, Blachowicz has remained a top name in the division, and his forthcoming bout against Carlos Ulberg on March 22 may determine his future move.

If Blachowicz wins, a rematch with the light heavyweight champion becomes a real possibility. The Polish veteran has already demonstrated his ability to compete with the Russian, and his expertise in five-round fights makes him a significant threat to the new champion. Given their history, a rematch could finally settle the score. So, what do you think? Who will get the opportunity to fight Magomed Ankalaev? Let us know in the comments.