With a score of 20-1-1, out of which 11 wins came via KO/TKO, Magomed Ankalaev has been making waves in the fighting realm. He dominated Johnny Walker, Aleksandar Rakic, and many others with ease. Well, he is on an impressive 11-fight win streak. But the light heavyweight contender’s story began with a heartbreak. Ankalaev was only 15 years old when he was forced to take up the responsibility of his entire family. 

But what exactly happened that brought about such a major change in the Russian’s life? Well, he lost his father, and the void sucked away his freedom and carefree attitude. Let’s get to know a bit more about Ankalaev’s family and how his father’s passing affected him. 

Magomed Ankalaev’s parents and family

The #1 light heavyweight contender is one of the fighters who have kept their family details a secret from the public eye. However, Ankalaev revealed a massively heartbreaking detail during the countdown episode for UFC 313. He said, “I was in the ninth or tenth grade and I lost my father. That was the most difficult age for me, when you really need a father’s support. Since the man is the eldest in the family, it turned out that I was the man. And I had to work much harder for my family, to support them.”

Being the oldest son in the family, Ankalaev had to shoulder quite a bit of responsibilities. He was just 15 when his family went through the heartbreak. But being a Dagestani pushed him towards martial arts. Talking to the UFC, the Russian pointed out that every Dagestani was involved in martial arts in one way or the other. That’s why he claimed that he was just another average Dagestani guy. 

But it was around 2011-2012 that he started practicing the art of self defense. Well, Ankalaev’s early life still remains a massive mystery. But do you know how he began his journey in the world of martial arts? Let’s find out!

More about Magomed Ankalaev’s early life

Ankalaev was born in Teletl’, in the Shamilsky District in Russia, on 2nd June 1992. The light heavyweight contender actually has lineage linking him to the Avars. Nevertheless, he began his training in Greco-Roman wrestling when he was just one year into his college. Well, our #1 light heavyweight contender is indeed a graduate from Dagestan State University. But soon, Ankalaev traveled to the lands of Sambo and received the title of Master of Sports in the martial art form. 

During a conversation with BOX TV, the Russian fighter said, “I started training in childhood, like most of my friends, I was involved in freestyle wrestling for a long time. After finishing school, I entered the DGPU in Makhachkala and began to practice Greco-Roman wrestling. I also competed in combat sambo – successfully and won the title of Master of Sports of Russia. Thanks to all the accumulated experience, I have already begun to practice MMA closely.”

Now, Ankalaev is set to cement his legacy with a shot at the light heavyweight championship title. Defeating Alex Pereira at UFC 313 would indeed make him the first light heavyweight to defeat the Brazilian champion. But we would have to wait for Saturday to find out how the fight between the strongest LHWs proceeds. 

Do you think Ankalaev can defeat the man with the hands of stone at UFC 313? Let us know what you think of the Russian’s early life in the comments down below.