Magomed Ankalaev apparently does not intend to stay around with light heavyweight for too long.
Although the case can be made that he has already reached an impressive run on 205 pounds, there are still a number of big names with which the current champion has not yet confronted.
Ankalaev's manager even recently suggested that his biggest threat may not even be the former champion Alex Pereira that he will encounter in a rematch at UFC 320.
The will of Carlos Ulberg and Jiri Prochazka would be new challenges for the Russian if they can win their upcoming fights.
Nevertheless, while Ankalaev has spoken about the welcome of the champion of the division below to slightly heavyweight, he also has similar plans.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC
Fans have mixed reactions to Magomed Ankalaev's plans for a heavyweight movement
It has become a common event to hear UFC champions talking about wanting to increase a division, where Magomed Ankalaev is no different.
This was originally the plan for Alex Pereira until he was defeated earlier this year by the Russian at UFC 313 who derailed his huge plans.
While Ankalaev has already been booked to defend his title in a rematch with 'Poatan', before he has put the belt at stake, the champion has set all his heavyweight goals.
He recently told Ushatayka that he not only wants to increase a weight class, he plans to happen sooner instead of making it happen later, despite the fact that he only wins the belt in March.
'I thought about it [moving up]… I believe that maybe two more fights and I think I will go to heavyweight. “
Fans's reaction to social media was somewhat mixed, with some people being happy with the idea of still having a heavyweight competition in the mix.
Others were less enthusiastic with his plan, which suggests that this would be a bad move for Ankalaev and the light heavyweight division.
“You haven't defended the belt yet.”
“Please, that would be a serious competition in heavyweight.”
“Let's calm down, friend …”
'Most UFC heavy weights are out of shape. He can exploit that if Alex does not take his head off. '
“One rematch defense and a normal defense and that is all that is needed to move divisions?”
“He has nothing left to prove on 205. Time to go up and smesh [Tom] Aspinall. '
Magomed Ankalaev believes that he still has two fights on 205 before he goes to heavyweight 👀
“I thought about it [moving up]… I may believe two more fights and I think I will go to heavyweight. “Pic.twitter.com/LXE912NSSO
– Championship Rounds (@champrds) 26 August 2025
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Magomed Ankalaev believes that it will be easier to beat Alex Pereira the second time
Of course, just like with UFC 313 earlier this year, the plan of the light heavyweight champion can be derailed by a loss next time.
Magomed Ankalaev is clearly very convinced that this will not be the case, after he has told Sport24ru in a recent interview that he believes that his rematch with Alex Pereira will be easier than their first meeting.
“Well, I think the Rematch will be much easier than the first fight, because statistics always show that fighting me in a rematch is very dangerous. I think we will again prove that it is not a good idea to face me in a rematch.”
Magomed Ankalaev says that the rematch with Alex Pereira will be 'much easier' than the first fight 👀
“I actually want him to be 100% in this fight, so there are no questions about the outcome. I don't want to hear talking like the last time he is not ready or something like that … pic.twitter.com/pcgmsofbki
– Championship Rounds (@champrds) 25 August 2025
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Ankalaev has been in two UFC brake matches, against Ion Cutelaba and Johnny Walker, where he comes at the top on both occasions.