Ankalaev calls out UFC heavyweights after top-five light heavyweights dodge January date

Magomed Ankalaev is threatening to jump two weight classes after declaring that the entire top five of the UFC light heavyweight division has found an excuse to avoid him. The former 205-pound champion posted his frustrations on X on 9 November, calling out heavyweights for a January bout after failing to lock down an opponent at 205 pounds.

“Looks like nobody in the top five at light heavyweight wants to fight,” Ankalaev wrote. “Everybody’s got a reason. Khalil Rountree not ready, Reyes just fought and is injured. Costa wants $10 million.”

He followed that broadside with a direct challenge to the division above: “So what about heavyweight? Anybody ready to fight? Let’s do it in January.”

Ankalaev (21-2-1) last competed in July, stopping Bogdan Guskov by fifth-round TKO in a performance that signalled his recovery from the title-rematch loss to Alex Pereira. That win re-established him as a credible contender at 205, but the path back to a title shot appears blocked — at least for now.

The Russian had previously targeted Paulo Costa, describing himself as the Brazilian’s “get-out-of-jail-free card” during Costa’s ongoing contract dispute with the UFC. That fight never materialised, and Ankalaev’s latest post suggests patience is running thin.

No specific heavyweight opponent has been named, and the UFC has made no announcement regarding a divisional move. Whether the callout translates into a sanctioned bout remains to be seen, but Ankalaev’s willingness to step up in weight — rather than wait — adds a new dimension to his campaign for another title shot.