Best fights of Magomed Ankalaev
Over 12 years as a professional, Magomed Ankalaev has compiled a 20-2-1 (10) record, including five title fights. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Magomed Ankalaev defeats Alex Pereira
On March 8, 2025 Magomed Ankalaev fought Alex Pereira for the UFC light heavyweight title. Ankalaev was 32 years old with a record of 19-1-1, and Pereira was 37 with a record of 12-2. Ankalaev was on a 2-fight winning streak and Pereira was on a 5-fight winning streak. Ankalaev won via unanimous decision. Crowned the new light heavyweight champion.
2. Magomed Ankalaev defeats Johnny Walker
On October 21, 2023 Magomed Ankalaev faced Johnny Walker in a light heavyweight bout. Ankalaev was 31 years old with a record of 17-1-1, and Walker was 31 with a record of 21-7. Walker was on a 3-fight winning streak. Ankalaev won via no contest.
3. Magomed Ankalaev draws with Jan Błachowicz
On December 10, 2022 Magomed Ankalaev fought Jan Błachowicz for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title. Ankalaev was 30 years old with a record of 17-1, and Błachowicz was 39 with a record of 29-9. Ankalaev was on a 9-fight winning streak and Błachowicz was coming off a win. The fight ended in a unanimous decision.
4. Magomed Ankalaev defeats Nikita Krylov
On February 27, 2021 Magomed Ankalaev faced Nikita Krylov in a light heavyweight bout. Ankalaev was 28 years old with a record of 13-1, and Krylov was 28 with a record of 27-7. Ankalaev was on a 5-fight winning streak and Krylov was coming off a win. Ankalaev won via unanimous decision.
5. Magomed Ankalaev KOs Anthony Smith
On July 30, 2022 Magomed Ankalaev faced Anthony Smith in a light heavyweight bout. Ankalaev was 30 years old with a record of 16-1, and Smith was 34 with a record of 36-16. Ankalaev was on a 8-fight winning streak and Smith was on a 3-fight winning streak. Ankalaev stopped Anthony Smith via TKO in the 2nd round.
6. Magomed Ankalaev KOs Maxim Grishin
On October 4, 2016 Magomed Ankalaev fought Maxim Grishin for the vacant WFCA and AFC light heavyweight titles. Ankalaev was 24 years old with a record of 5-0, and Grishin was 32 with a record of 23-6. Ankalaev was on an undefeated 5-fight winning streak and Grishin was on a 11-fight winning streak. Ankalaev stopped Maxim Grishin via TKO in the 4th round. Won the vacant titles.
7. Magomed Ankalaev defeats Thiago Santos
On March 12, 2022 Magomed Ankalaev faced Thiago Santos in a light heavyweight bout. Ankalaev was 29 years old with a record of 15-1, and Santos was 38 with a record of 22-9. Ankalaev was on a 7-fight winning streak and Santos was coming off a win. Ankalaev won via unanimous decision.
8. Magomed Ankalaev KOs Johnny Walker in their 2nd fight
On January 13, 2024 Magomed Ankalaev faced Johnny Walker in a light heavyweight bout. It was their second meeting. Ankalaev was 31 years old with a record of 17-1-1, and Walker was 31 with a record of 21-7. Ankalaev stopped Johnny Walker via KO in the 2nd round.
9. Magomed Ankalaev KOs Ion Cuțelaba in 38 seconds
On February 29, 2020 Magomed Ankalaev faced Ion Cuțelaba in a light heavyweight bout. Ankalaev was 27 years old with a record of 11-1, and Cuțelaba was 26 with a record of 15-4. Ankalaev was on a 3-fight winning streak and Cuțelaba was coming off a win. Ankalaev stopped Ion Cuțelaba via TKO in the 1st round.
10. Magomed Ankalaev defeats Volkan Oezdemir
On October 30, 2021 Magomed Ankalaev faced Volkan Oezdemir in a light heavyweight bout. Ankalaev was 29 years old with a record of 14-1, and Oezdemir was 32 with a record of 17-5. Ankalaev was on a 6-fight winning streak, while Oezdemir was coming off a loss. Ankalaev won via unanimous decision.