Magomed Ankalaev
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Magomed Alibulatovich Ankalaev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist, currently signed to the UFC, where he is the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. As of April 14, 2026, he is #1 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings, and #14 in the UFC Men's pound-for-pound rankings.
UFC Record
[change | change source]Ankalaev holds a mixed martial arts record of 20 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, and 1 no contest.
UFC Debut
[change | change source]In March 2018, Ankalaev made his UFC debut against Paul Craig, entering with an 8-0 professional record. Many believe Ankalaev was on pace to win the fight in a decision, but he was placed in a triangle choke submission in the third and final round, tapping out in the final second of the fight.
UFC 282 Draw and Controversy
[change | change source]In December 2022, Ankalaev fought Jan Blachowicz for the vacant UFC light heavyweight championship at UFC 282. The fight ended in a split draw, with neither Ankalaev or Blachowicz winning the title. Many consider Ankalaev to have won this match.
UFC 294 No Contest
[change | change source]In October 2023 at UFC 294, Ankalaev fought Johnny Walker. In the first round, Ankalaev delivered an accidental illegal knee, and Walker was unable to continue. The fight was resolved as a no contest, leading to the pair's rematch in January 2024. Ankalaev won that fight via KO in the second round, granting him "Performance of the Night" honors.
Alex Pereira Feud and UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
[change | change source]In March 2025 at UFC 313, Ankalaev challenged then champion Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight championship, his first title fight since the split decision draw against Jan Blachowicz. Entering as the slight underdog, Ankalaev went on to win the fight via unanimous decision. Later that year, in October at UFC 320, Ankalaev defended the championship in a rematch against Alex Pereira. Pereira caught Ankalaev with a punch in the first round, followed by repeated punches and elbows until the fight was called, with Pereira winning via TKO.
Following the second fight, Ankalaev implied his desire for a trilogy fight for the light heavyweight championship. This was not accepted, as Alex Pereira vacated the light heavyweight championship to move up to the heavyweight division, where he is scheduled to fight Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House in June 2026.