Daniel Cormier wouldn’t be shocked if Magomed Ankalaev is Carlos Ulberg’s first challenger.
Ankalaev fought Bogdan Guskov within the UFC Abu Dhabi headliner this previous Saturday. Ankalaev was initially anticipated to face Khalil Rountree, however the harmful striker needed to pull out of the battle as a consequence of an harm. Guskov couldn’t make it to the ultimate horn as Anakalev scored a fifth-round TKO victory.
Having been a former UFC champion, Ankalaev’s win might open the door for an additional title bout. In a post-fight response video posted on his YouTube channel, Cormier stated that latest motion within the 205-pound weight class may improve Ankalaev’s possibilities of dealing with the champion Ulberg subsequent (h/t MMAJunkie).
“The sunshine heavyweight division is in a bizarre place proper now as a result of it’s bought a brand new champion,” Cormier stated. “Alex Pereira is up at heavyweight. Jamahal Hill is up at heavyweight. So numerous the blokes which have fought for the belt are out of the load class and we haven’t seen as many younger challengers present themselves to be prepared.
“Ankalaev getting that end may need legitimately gotten him one other alternative to battle for the UFC championship in opposition to the brand new champion, Carlos Ulberg, when he comes again. He says he needs to be again early subsequent 12 months.”
Ulberg was interviewed by UFC on Paramount+ after Ankalaev’s win over Guskov within the curtain nearer for UFC Abu Dhabi. The reigning gentle heavyweight champion stated he noticed every thing he wanted out of Ankalaev on battle night time. “Black Jag” additionally stated he hopes to return to motion in early 2027.
Again in April, Ulberg suffered a torn ACL in his title win in opposition to Jiri Prochazka. Followers have mentioned whether or not or not the UFC brass ought to e book an interim title battle earlier than Ulberg makes his return. Former middleweight contender Paulo Costa has made the bounce to gentle heavyweight, and he’s been calling for an interim title battle.
Do you agree with Daniel Cormier on Magomed Ankalaev presumably being referred to as on for the following UFC gentle heavyweight title battle? Take part on the dialog within the feedback under.
