Overview

• Magomed Ankalaev, UFC light heavyweight champion, is seeking a new opponent for UFC 317 after Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka declined fight offers.
• Pereira requested more preparation time, while Prochazka cited academic commitments, including upcoming exams, as reasons for their refusals.
• Both former champions have reportedly agreed to return to action in August, with the UFC's October Abu Dhabi card also being a possibility.
• Michael Bisping publicly defended Pereira and Prochazka, emphasizing the importance of full training camps and career strategy in their decisions.
• Carlos Ulberg, ranked #3 in the division, has been suggested by former fighter Josh Thomson as a viable short-notice challenger for Ankalaev.