Magomed Ankalaev News

Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev issues a warning ahead of Aleksandar Rakic fight at UFC 308

Harry Kettle - October 26, 2024

UFC fighter Magomed Ankalaev is ready to make a statement tonight as he prepares to battle Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308. In the eyes of many, Magomed Ankalaev is the rightful number one contender for the UFC light heavyweight championship. However, he was passed over for Khalil Rountree Jr, with Magomed instead being given a fight against Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308.

Aleksandar Rakic
Magomed Ankalaev

Aleksandar Rakic aims to crash the title picture with win over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 308

Harry Kettle - October 23, 2024

Aleksandar Rakic hopes to crash the UFC light heavyweight title picture by defeating Magomed Ankalaev this weekend. As we know, Aleksandar Rakic’s career has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. After building up a record of 14-2, he lost back to back fights against Jan Blachowicz and Jiri Prochazka. In the first, he suffered a knee injury, and in the second, he seemed to be in control before Prochazka was able to mount a big comeback.

Alex Pereira, Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev

Alex Pereira hints he may prevent Magomed Ankalaev's UFC title shot after "Disrespectful" trash talk

Curtis Calhoun - October 17, 2024

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira might stop the promotion from giving Magomed Ankalaev a title shot if he wins his upcoming fight later this month. Pereira successfully defended the UFC light heavyweight belt by finishing Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307. Despite a slow start to the fight, Pereira rallied as the fight went on, battering and defeating Rountree in Round 4.

Jon Jones, Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev offers himself as surprise backup fighter for Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic: "I will beat him"

Josh Evanoff - October 8, 2024

UFC light-heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev is interested in facing Jon Jones. The 32-year-old Russian is in a bit of an odd situation right now. Magomed Ankalaev last appeared in the cage in January, in an UFC Apex main event. There, the light-heavyweight contender faced Johnny Walker in a rematch of their no-contest last October. Ultimately, it took just two rounds for Ankalaev to secure a knockout victory.

Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev

Ali Abdelaziz thinks it's "bullsh*t" Magomed Ankalaev isn't fighting for UFC gold next

Fernando Quiles - September 24, 2024

Top MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz isn’t thrilled about Magomed Ankalaev not receiving the next UFC light heavyweight title shot. Ankalaev has been calling for a showdown with the champion Alex Pereira. “Poatan” claims that the Russian avoided a title opportunity for UFC 307. Ankalaev vehemently denies that claim.

Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev refutes Alex Pereira's claims of avoiding UFC 307 title fight: "I’m gonna make you eat your words"

Fernando Quiles - August 26, 2024

Magomed Ankalaev has refuted a claim made by UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira. When it was announced that Pereira’s next title defense would be against Khalil Rountree at UFC 307, some fans were left puzzled. While a scrap between “Poatan” and Rountree figures to be an exciting standup banger for as long as it’ll last, many believe that Ankalaev is due for another UFC title shot.

Alex Pereira, Magomed Ankalaev, UFC
Magomed Ankalaev

Alex Pereira responds to accusations that he is ducking Magomed Ankalaev: "I’m not scared of anyone"

Chris Taylor - August 24, 2024

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has responded to the critics suggesting he is ducking top contender Magomed Ankalaev. After Pereira (11-2 MMA) successfully defended the 205lbs title for a second time at UFC 303 against Jiri Prochazka, most believed that his next challenger would come in the form of Ankalaev (18-1-1 MMA).

Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev

Dana White explains what Magomed Ankalaev must do to earn another UFC title shot

Fernando Quiles - August 22, 2024

UFC CEO Dana White has revealed how Magomed Ankalaev can secure another light heavyweight title opportunity. When it was announced that 205-pound champion Alex Pereira will put his gold at stake against Khalil Rountree in the main event of UFC 307, the reaction within the MMA community was mixed. While many are expecting a barnburner between the two knockout artists, Rountree’s credibility as a title contender has come into question.

Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev slams “biggest chicken” Alex Pereira for his callout of UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis

Harry Kettle - August 19, 2024

UFC light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev has slammed divisional champion Alex Pereira for calling out Dricus du Plessis. As we know, Alex Pereira is the reigning king of the UFC light heavyweight division. He’s also set to return later this year to defend the crown against Khalil Rountree Jr. It comes on the heels of an incredible year thus far for him, in which he has knocked out Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka to retain the belt.

Magomed Ankalaev, Jamahal Hill
Magomed Ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev blasts "Crying" Jamahal Hill after critical remarks about UFC 307 title fight

Curtis Calhoun - August 16, 2024

UFC light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev scolded Jamahal Hill for his scathing remarks about the UFC 307 main event. UFC 307 is headlined by UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira’s return against the surging contender Khalil Rountree Jr. Pereira returns to the Octagon following a knockout win over Jiří Procházka at UFC 303 on weeks’ notice.

Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev reacts to Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree fight announcement: "I don't need nobody to feel bad for me"

Josh Evanoff - August 16, 2024

Magomed Ankalaev doesn’t want fans feeling bad that he’s not fighting UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira next. The Russian hasn’t competed since a first-round knockout victory over Johnny Walker in January. That victory moved Magomed Ankalev to an impressive 18-1-1 record, and he hoped to fight Alex Pereira post-fight. However, ‘Poatan’ will instead face the rising striker Khalil Rountree next. Earlier today, Dana White made the news official on social media.

Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev
Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier questions if the UFC is protecting Alex Pereira from Magomed Ankalaev: “Sometimes you got to protect that golden goose”

Harry Kettle - August 13, 2024

UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has questioned whether or not the promotion is protecting Alex Pereira from Magomed Ankalaev. As we know, Alex Pereira is currently one of the biggest stars in mixed martial arts. He is the UFC light heavyweight champion, having formerly held the gold at middleweight. He is beating everyone who is being put in front of him, and he shows no sign of slowing down.

Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev

Manager reveals Magomed Ankalaev has his next fight booked and it's not against Alex Pereira

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.

Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev continues to express huge confidence in striking with Alex Pereira

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.

Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev shuts down talk of “overrated” Alex Pereira moving up to heavyweight: “He definitely has to face me first”

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.

Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev reacts to Alex Pereira’s stoppage victory over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303: “I believe I will knock you out”

Harry Kettle - June 30, 2024

Magomed Ankalaev has sent a message to Alex Pereira following the latter’s decisive victory at UFC 303 last night. On Saturday, Alex Pereira finished off International Fight Week with a real bang. He knocked out Jiri Prochazka for the second time, successfully retaining his UFC light heavyweight championship in the process. He did so on short notice, saving the card after Conor McGregor was forced to withdraw due to a broken toe.

Alex Pereira
Magomed Ankalaev

UFC champion Alex Pereira sends a warning to top contender Magomed Ankalaev: “They don't know my ground”

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.

Jiří Procházka, Alex Pereira
Jiri Prochazka

Alex Pereira tabs Jiří Procházka, not Magomed Ankalaev, for next LHW title defense

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.