From having a fixed opponent to no opponent in sight! That’s been the story for light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev, as Alex Pereira revealed that he won’t be available for the rematch at UFC 317, which was Dana White‘s target for the rematch. The only name that popped up next was Jiri Prochazka, who, believe it or not, decided to pass the opportunity because he had a university test. “He’s doing his exams. That’s legit,” the Czech star’s manager revealed during a recent interview.

However, Jiri Prochazka’s manager also revealed that exams weren’t the only reason he decided to turn down the opportunity to fight Magomed Ankalaev for the title. In fact, he feels like he hasn’t had time to prepare properly for his fight, given that some of his recent ones have been short-notice outings. Preferring a full camp, Prochazka wants time to prepare as opposed to taking fights without preparing properly. But in the meantime, he may be taking a step closer to making his return to the UFC.

In a recent Instagram story, Jiri Prochazka shared some details about his examination schedule. And guess what? He appeared to have been done with most of those tests because he also left a message in his story, giving fans hope that he might be available for a UFC return in the coming weeks. “Okay, let’s go to the final,” ‘The Czech Samurai’ wrote on social media.

While this could be a piece of soothing news for Dana White, the UFC CEO cannot entirely rely on Jiri Prochazka to fight Magomed Ankalaev in the coming months. That’s because he was probably not training while fulfilling his academic duties, and as we’ve already mentioned, the former champion may not want to take the risk of competing in a fight of such magnitude, that too a title fight, while under-prepared.

One wrong move can certainly derail the momentum Jiri Prochazka has as he recovered from his second KO loss to Alex Pereira with a win over Jamahal Hill at UFC 311. He might just have to go back to the drawing board. Hence, Magomed Ankalaev recently sent a message to Dana White, putting the ball in the UFC CEO’s court.

Magomed Ankalaev’s Message to Dana White Amidst the Uncertainty Surrounding Jiri Prochazka

After Alex Pereira decided not to pursue the rematch anytime soon, Magomed Ankalaev has requested that Dana White let the Brazilian go for now. He just doesn’t want to pressure the former champion, and when it comes to Jiri Prochazka, the feeling was also mutual as he deemed the self-proclaimed Samurai a “fake ninja.” So what does the promoter do? Well, Ankalaev is open to fighting any other opponent that Dana White puts in front of him inside the locked Octagon.

“Alex Pereira don’t want the Ank anymore. Let’s leave him alone because I’m not a bully: Fake ninja he said he have to go back to school because he cannot read,” Magomed Ankalaev tweeted. Being confident in his chances of overcoming any contender, the Russian told Dana White and even Mick Maynard, “Give me some fish.” It remains to be seen who Ankalaev fights because a certain heavyweight contender also wants a piece of him.

The heavyweight division has been in a lock with both champions Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, out of action as their fight doesn’t seem to materialize. As such, Jailton Almeida, who has an 8-1 UFC record, is tired of waiting for his chance at the heavyweight title and is looking to make his way down as he approached Ankalaev for a title fight.

Well, it may take some time before we get to see who fights the champion, since the main events from UFC 316 all the way up to UFC 319 are official already. Regardless, do you think Jiri Prochazka will be the one to fight Magomed Ankalaev? Drop your comments below.