Russian professional mixed martial artist Magomed Alibulatovich Ankalaev fights for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the light heavyweight class. Ankalaev was born into an Avar-descended family on June 2, 1992, in Makhachkala, Russia. After graduating from the sport faculty at Dagestan State University, Ankalaev started training in Greco-Roman wrestling for a year. He also participated in combat sambo tournaments at that time, winning the title of Master of Sports in the sport.
Ankalaev faced Jan Błachowicz at UFC 282 on December 10, 2022, in an attempt to win the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. The fight was settled in a controversial split draw. At UFC 294, Ankalaev locked horns with Johnny Walker but the fight couldn't reach a conclusion as Walker received an illegal knee from Ankalaev, ruling the fight a no-contest. The duo headlined UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2 on January 13, 2023, where Ankalaev won the fight via second-round TKO. Moreover, he is set to face Alex Pereira for the UFC lightweight gold at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025.
Magomed Ankalaev’s defeat
Magomed Ankalaev was defeated by Paul Craig via submission in March 2018. Magomed Ankalaev's professional mixed martial arts career has only seen one loss. At UFC Fight Night 127, Dagestani's lone loss came against Paul Craig. In the closing moments of the third round, Craig submitted Ankalaev with a flawless triangle choke.
The Russian has, though, amassed nine consecutive victories in the promotion after his 2018 defeat to "Bearjew." Ankalaev has triumphed over top 205-pound fighters, including Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos, two previous title contenders. In his bout, which took place at UFC 277, Ankalaev easily defeated Smith by TKO in the second round.
The former light heavyweight champion of the Akhmat Fighting Club (AFC), Ankalaev, had competed for the World Fighting Championship Akhmat before joining the elite promotion. Currently, the 31-year-old has a 19-1-1 (1) professional record.
What is the weight class of Magomed Ankalaev?
Magomed fights in the light heavyweight class, which normally consists of fighters weighing 84–93 kg (186–205 pounds). The middleweight and heavyweight weight classes are balanced by this weight class.
The official light heavyweight limit, set by the Association of Boxing Commissions and the Nevada State Athletic Commission, is 206 pounds (93 kg), which is marginally heavier than Magomed's weight. He is still strong in this class and falls within the permitted range for the light heavyweight class.
*Last Updated on February 27, 2025.
FAQs On Magomed Ankalaev Loss
A. Magomed Ankalaev was defeated by Paul Craig via submission in March 2018.
A. Magomed Ankalaev competes in the light heavyweight class, which typically includes fighters weighing between 186 and 205 pounds (84 and 93 kg).
A. As of February 2025, Magomed Ankalaev has a professional record of 20 wins, 1 loss, 1 no-contest, and 1 draw in the UFC.
A. In his most recent fight, Magomed Ankalaev faced Johnny Walker.
A. Magomed Ankalaev is ranked No. 1 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.
