Magomed Ankalaev News

Susan Cox - August 6, 2024

Magomed Ankalaev is venting frustration after being passed over for title shot, this while vowing to smash Aleksandar Rakic. The 32-year-old Ankalaev (18-1 MMA) is scheduled to fight Aleksandar Rakic (14-4 MMA) in a light heavyweight battle at UFC 308 which takes place on Saturday October 26th at the Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Cole Shelton - August 2, 2024

Magomed Ankalaev will not be the next title contender for Alex Pereira. After Pereira knocked out Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303, all signs pointed to his next title defense being against Ankalaev who is ranked second at light heavyweight. It is an intriguing fight, but according to Ankalaev’s manager, Rizvan Magomedov, the Russian has his next fight booked and it is not against Pereira for the belt as the UFC wanted to go in a different direction.

Harry Kettle - July 17, 2024

UFC contender Magomed Ankalaev is feeling pretty confident about his chances against UFC champion Alex Pereira. As we know, Magomed Ankalaev is a real problem in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. However, it’s safe to say that his momentum has slowed dramatically in recent years. From no contests to draws and beyond, Ankalaev seemed to be struggling to make his case for another title shot.

Harry Kettle - July 5, 2024

UFC contender Magomed Ankalaev has shut down talk of Alex Pereira making his way up to heavyweight. As we know, Alex Pereira is on top of the world right now. He is the UFC light heavyweight champion and last weekend, he knocked out Jiri Prochazka to successfully defend the strap.

Harry Kettle - June 24, 2024

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has confirmed his interest in a future showdown with Magomed Ankalaev. As we know, Alex Pereira will be defending his UFC light heavyweight championship against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303. He’ll be doing so on short notice, showcasing once and for all why he’s such a fan favorite in the world of mixed martial arts. He’s putting it all on the line for the fans and if he comes away with the win, it’ll be a huge statement to go alongside everything he’s already accomplished.

Harry Kettle - June 6, 2024

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has issued a warning to top divisional contender Magomed Ankalaev. Right now, Alex Pereira is on top of the world. The former middleweight king now runs the show at 205 pounds, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, some would argue that he’s only just starting to find his prime in mixed martial arts – which is a scary prospect.

Curtis Calhoun - May 2, 2024

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira wants a rematch with Jiří Procházka over a potential clash with surging contender Magomed Ankalaev. Pereira claimed in a recent media scrum in Rio de Janeiro that he’s likely set to face Procházka next instead of Ankalaev. MMA Fighting‘s Guilherme Cruz was among the first to report the news of Pereira’s intended next title defense.

Susan Cox - April 16, 2024

Magomed Ankalaev is calling for a title shot against UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira in Abu Dhabi. Alex Pereira (10-2 MMA) is hot off a knockout victory over Jamahal Hill this past weekend at UFC 300.

Harry Kettle - January 15, 2024

Magomed Ankalaev has issued a pretty clear challenge to Alex Pereira ahead of a potential showdown between the two UFC stars. Right now, Magomed Ankalaev is feeling back to his best. Last weekend, he finally brought his rivalry with Johnny Walker to an end when he knocked his foe out in vicious fashion. Moving forward, he has one clear focus – dethroning Alex Pereira to finally become the UFC light heavyweight champion. It’s a goal he has had for years, and it finally seems like he’s on the verge of getting another crack at the belt.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 14, 2024

Magomed Ankalaev has sent a clear message to UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. Ankalaev was in action this past Saturday. He went one-on-one with Johnny Walker in the main event of UFC Vegas 84. This was a rematch, as Ankalaev and Walker fought to a no contest at UFC 294. Ankalaev landed an illegal knee strike, and the Octagon doctor called the fight off after evaluating Walker.

Chris Taylor - January 13, 2024

Tonight’s UFC Vegas 84 event was headlined by a light heavyweight rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker. Ankalaev (18-1-1 MMA) and Walker (21-8 MMA) had originally collided back at October’s UFC 294 event in Abu Dhabi, where their fight ended in a no-contest after the Russian hit the Brazilian with an illegal knee.

Chris Taylor - January 13, 2024

Tonight’s UFC Vegas 84 event is headlined by a light heavyweight rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker. Ankalaev (17-1-1 MMA) and Walker (21-7 MMA) originally collided at October’s UFC 294 event in Abu Dhabi, where their fight ended in a no-contest after the Russian tagged the Brazilian with an illegal knee.

Cole Shelton - January 11, 2024

Magomed Ankalaev doesn’t think Johnny Walker wanted to fight him in October. Ankalaev and Walker first met at October’s UFC 294 event in Abu Dhabi in what was a critical fight for the light heavyweight division. Unfortunately, the fight ended in controversy as in the first round Ankalaev landed an illegal knee which prompted the doctor to step in and stop the fight. After the doctor claimed Walker couldn’t continue, the Brazilian was angry as he wanted the fight to resume, but Ankalaev thinks that was all just for show.

Cole Shelton - January 11, 2024

In the first event of 2024, top-10 light heavyweights collide as Magomed Ankalaev rematches Johnny Walker in the main event of UFC Vegas 84. Heading into the fight, Ankalaev is a sizeable -590 favorite while the Brazilian is a +390 underdog on FanDuel. The two fought back at UFC 294 in October in Abu Dhabi, but the fight ended in a No Contest in the first round as Ankalaev landed an illegal knee to Walker and the doctor stopped the scrap. Ahead of their rematch, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to make their picks for the fight at UFC Vegas 84. The pros believe Ankalaev’s grappling will be the difference and will lead to the win over Walker.

Harry Kettle - December 28, 2023

The first UFC event of the new year will be headlined by a blockbuster light heavyweight showdown between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker. Following UFC 296 earlier this month, the Ultimate Fighting Championship went on something of a break over the holidays – as they tend to do. Now, as we approach the new year, it’s time to get pumped up about the prospect of some massive fights that lie ahead in 2024.

Josh Evanoff - November 16, 2023

UFC light heavyweights Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker will get to settle business next year. The two men are fresh off their first bout earlier this year at UFC 294 in October. There, the two headed in hoping to potentially score a future title shot. For his part, Johnny Walker entered the matchup riding a three-fight winning streak. Meanwhile, Magomed Ankalaev hadn’t been seen since a draw against Jan Blachowicz last December.

Josh Evanoff - October 23, 2023

UFC light-heavyweight contender Johnny Walker is still unhappy after his fight with Magomed Ankalaev. For those that are unaware, the two light-heavyweights faced off at UFC 294 on Saturday night. Leading into the bout, both men were hoping to secure a title shot. While Johnny Walker entered the event riding a three-fight winning streak, Magomed Ankalaev hadn’t been seen since a draw with Jan Blachowicz in December.

Chris Taylor - October 21, 2023

We have you covered for all of today’s UFC 294 results, including the light heavyweight bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker. Walker (21-7 MMA) will enter the contest sporting a three-fight winning streak, his most recent being a lopsided decision victory over former title challenger Anthony Smith. Prior to that, the Brazilian standout had earned back-to-back stoppage wins over Ion Cutelaba and Paul Craig respectively.