Magomed Ankalaev

Russia

Another win, title shot next?
Light HeavyweightUFC
October 26, 2024
Ankalaev defeated Aleksandar Rakic via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) at UFC 308 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
ANALYSIS
It wasn't the dominant type effort we have seen from Ankalaev in the past, but it was another strong performance against a quality opponent and should be more than enough to earn him the next shot at Alex Pereira's UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Magomed closed with a 55-53 edge in terms of significant strikes landed. He constantly pushed forward and limited Rakic's space despite not attempting a single takedown. Ankalaev is a complete mixed martial artist. He has power, can grapple if needed, is durable and his cardio is strong. Undefeated in his past dozen bouts (10-0-1, 1NC), we are almost certainly looking at an Ankalaev v. Pereira title fight at some point in the next 12 months.
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Facing Rakic in October
Light HeavyweightUFC
August 3, 2024
Ankalaev will take on Aleksander Rakic in a light heavyweight bout at UFC 308 on Oct. 26, MMAJunkie.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Ankalaev was initially scheduled to face Alex Pereira, but his opponent was quickly changed to Rakic. He'll look to continue his dominant stretch; the fighter hasn't lost a professional MMA bout since 2018. He most recently took care of Johnny Walker in the second round of a Jan. 13 fight with a Right Hook-uppercut. His opponent Rakic, meanwhile, will be desperate for a win as he's lost his past two bouts.
Wins in dominant fashion
Light HeavyweightUFC
January 13, 2024
Ankalaev defeated Johnny Walker via KO (punches) at 2:42 of Round 2 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Well, that will put a resounding end to this brief feud. There's a real chance Ankalaev is the best light heavyweight on the UFC roster. It took him two or three minutes to find his range in this one, but once he did, Walker was done. Magomed began chopping away at the legs of his opponent before eventually catching an awkward Walker knee and dropping him with a right hand. He landed one additional shot that forced referee Marc Goddard to immediately step in despite the fact Johnny still had his wits about him. Nonetheless, it was a good stoppage and one that would result in a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for Ankalaev. Ankalaev's lone UFC loss was a miracle last-second (literally) submission by Paul Craig in his company debut back in March 2018. He's 10-0-1 (1NC) since. His next fight is likely going to be against Alex Pereira for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
Scheduled for UFC 294 rematch
Light HeavyweightUFC
November 13, 2023
Ankalaev will compete against Johnny Walker in a light heavyweight fight at UFC on ESPN+ 92 on Jan. 13, according to Shaheen Al-Shatti of The Athletic.
ANALYSIS
Back at UFC 294 in October, Ankalaev fought Walker to a no-contest after accidentally kneeling the Brazilian while he was down, an illegal move. Walker was deemed unable to continue, a decision that did not satisfy anyone involved or watching. Thus, Ankalaev and Walker will get another shot at each other, with the former trying to finally log a firm result in his favor after back-to-back controversial fight turnouts.
Illegal knee leads to no-contest
Light HeavyweightUFC
October 21, 2023
Ankalaev and Johnny Walker fought to a no-contest (accidental foul) at 3:13 of Round 1 at UFC 294 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
ANALYSIS
For those keeping score at home, that's a no-contest and a draw for Ankalaev in his last two bouts. He looked good for as long as this one lasted, but one illegal knee to a downed opponent brought the doctor into the equation, and it was all downhill from there. The doctor didn't like Walker's answers to his questions and told referee Dan Movahedi he couldn't continue. Yes, the foul was Ankalaev's fault, so he is partially to blame here, but it's another dreadful outcome for Magomed in a fight in which he appeared to be in good shape. Expect these two to link up again shortly. There's really no other option.
Scheduled to fight Walker
Light HeavyweightUFC
July 31, 2023
Ankalaev will fight Johnny Walker in a light heavyweight bout at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 21, according to MMAJunkie.com.
ANALYSIS
This will be Ankalaev's first bout since his controversial draw with Jan Blachowicz failed to crown a new light heavyweight champion at UFC 282. Ankalaev, currently ranked second in the division's rankings, will fight No. 6 Walker as both competitors try to stake their claim for a shot at LHW gold after Jamahal Hill (Achilles) vacated it earlier in July.