Magomed Alibulatovich Ankalaev is a professional mixed martial artist from Russia who competes in the light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Ankalaev made his UFC debut against Paul Craig at UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Volkov in March 2018. In the first round, Ankalaev kicked Craig in the torso, seriously hurting him. But in the last five seconds of the third round, Craig submitted Ankalaev with a triangle choke, delivering Ankalaev his first loss as a professional.
At UFC 282, on December 10, 2022, Ankalaev squared off against Jan Błachowicz for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Title. A contentious split draw concluded the bout. Ankalaev was declared the winner of the fight by 23 of the 25 media members present. At UFC 294, Ankalaev squared off against Johnny Walker but the bout was ruled a no-contest after he accidentally delivered an illegal knee to Johnny Walker. The duo headlined UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2 on January 13, 2023, where Ankalaev defeated Walker by a second-round TKO. Moreover, the No. 1 ranked light heavyweight will face the champion, Alex Pereira in his next fight on March 8, 2025, at UFC 313.
Magomed Ankalaev Fighting Style
Magomed Ankalaev is a combat sambo fighter and mixed martial artist from Russia. He has a reputation for his striking prowess. As of October 2024, Ankalaev has 19 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, and 1 no-contest in his professional career. Right now, he holds the #1 spot in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.
In amateur mixed martial arts (MMA), combat sambo, and other events, Ankalaev has won multiple titles and medals. He holds the titles of Master of Combat Sambo and International Master of Sport in Amateur MMA.
Is Magomed Ankalaev a grappler?
Magomed Ankalaev's fighting style is mostly striking-based, despite his training in sambo and Greco-Roman wrestling. He has never submitted to win a bout; instead, KOs, TKOs, or decisions have been the means of his winning. Ankalaev's hitting ability is what defines his fighting style. He is renowned for using strong punches, knees, elbows, and kicks to completely destroy opponents. With a 75-inch reach, he usually takes an orthodox posture. Hence, based on his record, it can be concluded that while he is skilled in grappling, his main technique is striking.
How tall is Magomed Ankalaev?
Magomed Ankalaev is 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighs 205 pounds, and has an orthodox fighting posture. He is a member of Team Gorets and was born on June 2, 1992, making him 31 years old. The reach of Ankalaev is 75 inches.
*Last Updated on February 27, 2025.
FAQs on Magomed Ankalaev's fighting style
A. Magomed Ankalaev is a combat sambo fighter and mixed martial artist from Russia.
A. No, his fighting style primarily focuses on striking, with KOs, TKOs, and decisions as his primary means of winning.
A. Magomed Ankalaev is 6 feet 3 inches tall with an orthodox fighting stance and a 75-inch reach.
A. Magomed Ankalaev is a member of Team Gorets.
A. Magomed Ankalaev has had a successful career, holding multiple titles in amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) and combat sambo. He currently ranks #1 in the UFC light heavyweight division.
