Magomed Ankalaev is a Dagestani phenom who currently competes in the light heavyweight division at the UFC. The fighter comes from the same region as Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. However, are the three of them related by any chance?

As of right now, the fighter is all set to face his next opponent Johnny Walker, for a light heavyweight bout at UFC 294. The fighter has an amazing record and ranking in the UFC. So where exactly does Ankalaev hail from and what is his background? Here’s everything you need to know about the fighter.

Magomed Ankalaev and where he comes from

Ankalaev is a Russian fighter who hails from the city of Makhachakla. He was born there and went to the Dagestan State University as he discovered his love for Mixed Martial Arts through wrestling. He would soon become a champion in Amateur MMA at the national level further pushing his interests towards the UFC.

An interesting connection can be made between Khamzat Chimaev and Ankalaev. Ankalaev won the Akhmat FC light heavyweight Grand Prix. Akhmat Fight Club is now the same club Chimaev associated with after he moved to the UAE. Ankalaev made his debut in the UFC back in 2018 in a fight against Paul Craig.

Ankalaev lost his first fight via submission in the third round at the very last minute. It was interesting to see the fighter almost pull through the triangle choke just to lose when he was just about to be released. Either way, he did not let it stop him dead in his tracks.

He would later go on to secure a win against Marcin Prachnio at UFC Fight Night in Moscow. He knocked out Prachinho in the very first round to finish the match in grand fashion. Now, the fighter prepares to fight again on October 21.

Is there a connection between Ankalaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov

There is no real connection between Ankalaev and Nurmagomedov except for the fact that both of them belong to the Avar ethnic group. It’s also interesting to note that both, Ankalaev and Makhachev fight out of the same Makhachakla region of Russia.

Also Read: Magomed Ankalaev Replies to ‘Chubby’ Jamahal Hill Taking a Dig at His Controversial UFC Comment

Both Khabib and Magomed happen to be devout Muslims as well as Dagestanis. While Magomed trained in his home country of Russia, Nurmagomedov trained at San Jose. Now, the fighter is all geared up for his next fight and his fans cannot wait.

Do you think Johnny Walker will be able to secure this win over Magomedov who is currently 18-1 in his record?

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