“My logic is that you are injured and fat, and if you are not ready to fight a champion by May, I will become a healthy champion, and I will be ready when you call,” Ankalaev wrote, quoting the American’s statement.
Jamal Hill won the vacant UFC bantamweight championship belt early last year by defeating Glover Teixeira by unanimous decision, but the American was forced to vacate the title as early as July after tearing his Achilles tendon while playing basketball.
As a result, the championship belt went to Brazilian Alex Pereira, who finished another former champion, Jiri Prohazka, by TKO in the second round at UFC 295 in New York, and Magomed Ankalaev won a potential contender’s bout two weeks ago by knocking out Johnnie Walker in the second round.
In a post-fight interview, the Russian said he is ready to challenge the champion on April 13 at the UFC 300 anniversary event in Las Vegas.