In a highly anticipated rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker, it was Ankalaev who emerged victorious with a jaw-dropping knockout. Taking place at the UFC’s Apex facility in Las Vegas, Ankalaev unleashed a devastating pair of right hands to knockout Walker at the 2:42 mark of the second round. This fight served as a long-awaited rematch after their initial bout ended in a no contest due to an accidental illegal knee by Ankalaev. With this emphatic win, Ankalaev has firmly made his mark in the light heavyweight division.
Magomed Ankalaev, hailing from Russia, had experienced a twist of fate in recent years. Despite being on an impressive 11-fight win streak in the UFC, he has yet to hold a championship belt. In 2022, Ankalaev fought former champion Jan Blachowicz to a split draw in a bout for the vacant title. However, in 2023, his progress was hindered by the no contest against Walker. Despite these setbacks, Ankalaev’s dominant performance in the rematch displayed his readiness for a shot at the UFC title.
“I was prepared for this fight for a long time,” stated Ankalaev through a Russian interpreter. “I was ready for this fight back in October, and I wanted the rematch right away. This is not what is important, though. The most important thing is that I’m ready for the title. Give me the title fight now.” These bold words from Ankalaev clearly demonstrate his hunger and determination to claim the light heavyweight championship.
From the start, it was evident that Ankalaev was in control of the fight. Although Walker, who trains at Conor McGregor’s SBG Ireland gym, displayed his trademark unpredictability and explosiveness, Ankalaev remained composed and focused. Throughout the match, Ankalaev consistently took the center of the Octagon, asserting his dominance and dictating the pace and distance of the fight. While Ankalaev out-landed Walker in total strikes (39 to 30), it was his follow-up shot with a right hand after the knockdown that sealed the deal. The aftermath of the fight left Walker with a badly damaged nose, testifying to the power and precision of Ankalaev’s strikes.
With this win, Magomed Ankalaev further solidified his place in the light heavyweight division. His UFC record now stands at an impressive 10-1-1, with his only loss occurring in his UFC debut against Paul Craig in 2018. Despite dominating that bout up until the final second, Ankalaev has bounced back stronger than ever, showcasing his incredible skills and resilience. On the other hand, this defeat marks Walker’s first loss since his February 2022 fight against former champion Jamahal Hill.
The Hunt for the Title
As of now, the reigning light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, does not have his next title defense scheduled. With his remarkable performance against Walker, Ankalaev has firmly positioned himself as a worthy contender for the title. His relentless pursuit of victory and his ability to dominate his opponents make him a force to be reckoned with in the division. The anticipation builds as fans eagerly await the announcement of Ankalaev’s next fight, which could potentially be for the coveted light heavyweight championship.
Magomed Ankalaev’s knockout victory over Johnny Walker solidified his status as a rising star in the light heavyweight division. Despite a rocky journey towards the top, Ankalaev’s dominant performance in the rematch showcased his readiness for a shot at the title. As the dust settles, the question remains: who will be the next challenger to face Ankalaev’s ferocious striking and unwavering determination?
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