Exclusive: Jiri Prochazka predicts how two-time rival Alex Pereira's potential title defense against Magomed Ankalaev will go

Jiri Prochazka recently shared his thoughts on a potential Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev title fight and explained how he saw the bout playing out. The Czech fighter was confident that the Brazilian would be "motivated" and would "handle" the bout.

Prochazka and Pereira shared the octagon on two occasions, UFC 295 in November 2023 and UFC 303 in June 2024. 'Poatan' managed to finish Prochazka in the second round in both fights. After Pereira's latest win over Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307, many saw Ankalaev as the reigning light heavyweight champion's next logical challenge.

Ankalaev is notably coming off a unanimous decision victory over Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 in October. While many believe Pereira will struggle to deal with Ankalev's grappling skills, Prochazka thinks the Brazilian's willpower will get him through the fight.

In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Prochazka weighed in on a Pereira-Ankalaev title fight and said:

"In this fight, I see Alex - he will handle this fight, for sure... To be honest, real hunger for a win, to end the fight, to win the fight by will... I know he will be motivated... Let's see who will win. Let's the better [man] win."

Catch Jiri Prochazka's comments below (17:29):

Magomed Ankalaev shares bold 2025 prediction involving two Alex Pereira fights

Magomed Ankalaev has big plans for 2025. The light heavyweight contender recently detailed his fight plans for next year and revealed that he intends to fight Pereira twice before moving on to Jiri Prochazka or Jamahal Hill.

In an X post, Ankalaev revealed a potential timeline for the two Pereira fights and fired shots at Hill and Prochazka, stating:

"I’m going to beat @AlexPereiraUFC in March, and I will give him a rematch in July, and then I will beat one of these b*ms like Jamahal Hill and Jiri in Abu Dhabi in October. @Mickmaynard2 @danawhite."