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Magomed Ankalaev

All articles tagged with #magomed ankalaev

Ankalaev pitches October Abu Dhabi stand‑and‑bang with Costa
sports1 month ago

Ankalaev pitches October Abu Dhabi stand‑and‑bang with Costa

After a disciplined win over Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi, Magomed Ankalaev said he’s the No.1 contender but with undisputed champ Carlos Ulberg sidelined by knee surgery, a fight with Paulo Costa could be a smart next step. Costa has aired contract frustrations but signaled openness to big fights, and Ankalaev floated a October showdown in Abu Dhabi if Costa is available, inviting a “stand and bang” clash that could keep the light‑heavyweight division compelling for fans and the UFC alike.

Ankalaev signals Costa clash as title picture stalls in UFC
sports1 month ago

Ankalaev signals Costa clash as title picture stalls in UFC

Magomed Ankalaev says he’s open to fighting Paulo Costa next, potentially in Abu Dhabi this October if the champion remains sidelined, in order to stay active and settle the ongoing beef; Costa criticized the Abu Dhabi headliner after moving up to light heavyweight, setting up a high-profile matchup with a possible Pereira trilogy down the line if opportunities arise.

Ankalaev labels Abu Dhabi clash a 'tuneup' as Guskov steps in on short notice
sports1 month ago

Ankalaev labels Abu Dhabi clash a 'tuneup' as Guskov steps in on short notice

Magomed Ankalaev makes his UFC return in Abu Dhabi after a KO loss to Alex Pereira, headlining the main event against short-notice replacement Bogdan Guskov. Ankalaev downplays the bout as a 'tuneup' and enters as the favorite, while Guskov—stepping in for Khalil Rountree Jr.—hopes to pull off an upset as the No. 9-ranked challenger.

Ankalaev headlines UFC Abu Dhabi return as Nurmagomedov eyes title tilt
sports2 months ago

Ankalaev headlines UFC Abu Dhabi return as Nurmagomedov eyes title tilt

UFC announced a July 25 Abu Dhabi card with Magomed Ankalaev returning from his title loss to fight Khalil Rountree Jr. in the main event, while Umar Nurmagomedov and David Martínez meet in the co-main as they chase a bantamweight title shot; the lineup also includes Valter Walker vs. Thomas Petersen, Ismael Bonfim vs. Axel Sola, Tyrell Fortune vs. Rizvan Kuniev, Dustin Jacoby vs. Uran Satybaldiev, Magomed Tuchalov vs. Brendson Ribeiro and more.

Alex Pereira's UFC 320 Victory: Injury, Regret, and Future Fight Prospects
sports10 months ago

Alex Pereira's UFC 320 Victory: Injury, Regret, and Future Fight Prospects

Alex Pereira expressed regret for not using a controversial 'Sao Paulo Slap' technique during his UFC 320 victory over Magomed Ankalaev, which he believed could have further humiliated his opponent. Despite winning with an 80-second knockout, Pereira felt the stoppage was premature and wished he had the chance to execute his planned move, inspired by Nate Diaz.

Magomed Ankalaev's UFC 320 Loss Marred by Injury and Controversy
sports10 months ago

Magomed Ankalaev's UFC 320 Loss Marred by Injury and Controversy

Daniel Cormier discussed Magomed Ankalaev's injury before UFC 320, suggesting it may not have changed the outcome of his quick loss to Alex Pereira, who fought with high intensity and motivation. Despite Ankalaev's injury, Cormier believes Pereira's aggressive approach was the decisive factor, and highlights Pereira's potential superfight with Jon Jones as a significant future matchup.

Magomed Ankalaev's Injury and Controversy Surround UFC 320 Loss
sports10 months ago

Magomed Ankalaev's Injury and Controversy Surround UFC 320 Loss

Magomed Ankalaev fought at less than full strength due to a broken rib sustained in training, which contributed to his quick loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 320. Despite his injury, Ankalaev's performance was hampered, and Pereira reclaimed the light heavyweight title. The fighters are now tied 1-1, and future rematch considerations are uncertain as Ankalaev recovers.

Alex Pereira and Merab Dvalishvili Surge in MMA Rankings Post-UFC 320
sports10 months ago

Alex Pereira and Merab Dvalishvili Surge in MMA Rankings Post-UFC 320

Alex Pereira re-entered the MMA pound-for-pound rankings at No. 7 after an impressive 80-second victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, bouncing back from a previous title loss. The rankings, compiled by a panel of experts, consider fighters' recent performances across major promotions, with Pereira's win solidifying his position among the elite.

UFC 320: Pereira and Ankalaev Face Off in Anticipated Rematch
sports10 months ago

UFC 320: Pereira and Ankalaev Face Off in Anticipated Rematch

At UFC 320 weigh-ins, Alex Pereira refused to break eye contact during the final staredown with Magomed Ankalaev, adding intensity to their rematch for the light heavyweight title, which is part of a high-profile fight card including other key bouts. The event marks a much-anticipated rematch after their previous fight was underwhelming, with both fighters claiming injuries affected their performance.