Magomed Ankalaev promises no takedowns if Khalil Rountree accepts fight

Magomed Ankalaev claims he won’t be shooting for any takedowns if he’s matched up with Khalil Rountree Jr. in the UFC light heavyweight division.

Ankalaev is a former champ at 205 pounds. He has not fought since he lost the belt to Alex Pereira via first-round KO late last year, but his seemingly itching to get back to action.

Speaking on social media this week, the Russian contender set his sights on a fight with Rountree. He vowed to fight exclusively on the feet if the American accepts the matchup.

Magomed Ankalaev calls out Khalil Rountree Jr.  for UFC clash

Magomed Ankalaev sent a message to Khalil Rountree and says he won’t wrestle if he takes the fight 👀

“In reality you don’t need [wrestling]. All I would love to do with you is 25 mins of very high level striking.” pic.twitter.com/Bg35X81Qdm

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 21, 2026

“Khalil my man I see you training a lot of wrestling with Khamzat but in reality you don’t need it,” Ankalaev wrote. “All I would love to do with you is 25 mins of very fight level striking master class if you can last this long.”

As Ankalaev said, Rountree has recently been honing his wrestling in hard training sessions with undefeated UFC middleweight champ Khamzat Chimaev. That’s a smart move, as his primary skill is his striking, which is among the most dangerous in the UFC.

At present, Rountree is riding a stoppage loss to Jiri Prochazka — though he had plenty of success in the fight. Highlights of his recent resume include wins over Jamahal Hill, Anthony Smith, and Dustin Jacoby.

Do you want UFC matchmakers to book an Ankalaev vs. Rountree fight at light heavyweight?