5 Exciting Fights To Watch At UFC Fight Night: Santos Vs Ankalaev

#2. Drew Dober vs. Terrance McKinney

UFC 259: Makhachev v Dober - Dober Striking Makhachev

Drew Dober fighting Terrance McKinney isn't the fight the fans expected, but it might be the best fight that the fans could get. The only downside to this bout is that McKinney is stepping up on short notice against a huge threat that is Drew Dober.

Terrance McKinney has such a great story. From almost dying twice in an ambulance to winning his promotional debut in 7 seconds, McKinney is a come-back story that everyone can get behind. Drew Dober has some coming back to do himself, as he's looking to put a captsone on a two-fight losing streak with an emphatic win.

Dober's losing streak isn't anything for him to lose stock over. These losses came from one of the best strikers and best grapplers in the division. Prior to those losses, Dober had a 3 fight knockout streak to boast.

Terrance McKinney is only 2-0 in the UFC and this is a huge step up in the competition. With that being said, this could catapult him into contender status very quickly and could be one of the quickest runs for contendership in the lightweight division. Drew Dober is no easy feat, and these are all factors that make this match so exciting, despite the short-notice step up from McKinney.

#1. Thiago Santos vs. Magomed Ankalaev

UFC Fight Night: Santos v Walker Weigh-in

Thiago Santos against Magomed Ankalaev should be the furthest thing from boring for MMA fans. Both fighters have made their presence known in the UFC with fantastic finishes. Santos has fought for the light heavyweight title and Ankalaev seems to be just getting started.

Thiago Santos knows how to get a crowd going. His dangerous striking makes fans resist their urge to blink. Magomed Ankalaev has finished over half of his wins by KO/TKO. Ankalaev's 16-1 record only has one blemish, which was a last second submission loss to Paul Craig; a fight he was otherwise winning.

When the referee signals these two athletes to fight, fireworks are to be expected. With Jon Jones out and the current champion, Glover Teixeira, talking retirement soon, a statement performance from either Santos or Ankalaev could see the winner jump into title contention sooner rather than later.