What Type of Fighter Is Magomed Ankalaev? All About the UFC Light Heavyweight’s Fighting Style

A large chunk of fans were startled by one of the fights in UFC 282. Although most of the UFC community picked the noted UFC light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev as the clear victor of his bout against Jan Blachowicz, the fight ended as a draw on the judge’s scorecards. It even had Blachowicz accepting that he had been defeated in the fight. Despite absorbing a few strikes initially, Ankalaev made a superb comeback in the later rounds of the bout.

Most fans might know that he hails from the city of Makhachkala in Dagestan, similar to the noted UFC lightweight champ, Islam Makhachev. However, his fighting style presents a stark difference from the usual Dagestani style. Fans will get to see a glimpse of the same on 21 October when he takes on the noted, Johnny Walker. But, in this edition, let’s learn some more about the Makhachkala native’s style of fighting.

Magomed Ankalaev doesn’t trust the grappling-heavy Dagestani style of fighting

A look at the results of Ankalev’s fights will show that he doesn’t trust grappling pretty much. Most fans may be shocked to know that the Dagestani currently holds a remarkable 18-1-1 record in his pro-MMA career. But, going beyond those will reveal that he has never won a fight by submission. All of his wins have come via decisions, KOs, or TKOs.

It may be enough to realize that Anakalev is primarily a striker. It won’t be wrong to consider him as a rather dangerous one. He packs a superb combination of punches, kicks, knees, and elbows to destroy his opponents. He generally goes for an orthodox fighting stance with a 75-inch reach. Although fans may have witnessed him fighting as a southpaw as well.

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He likes to use his jab to set up his combinations and keep his distance. His hard leg kicks are enough to provide some significant damage to his opponents. On top of all, his weight adds some formidable power to his strikes that have shut the lights of his opponents multiple times to date.

Ankalaev also went for Greco-Roman wrestling as his primary genre of martial arts. He has also trained in sambo. So, it won’t be wrong to say that the 31-year-old also possesses some good skills in the grappling part of the game too.

Can Magomed Ankalev’s UFC 294 rival present problems for him?

Most fans might already know that Ankalaev will lock horns with the noted UFC light heavyweight, Johnny Walker at UFC 294. Walker is currently on a three-fight win streak and will also carry a lot of confidence inside the octagon alike Anaklaev. Most fans may know that Walker is also primarily a striker and prefers a stand-up fight more than taking it to the ground.

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Hence, it may be said that the style of the two fighters will add up to present an enthralling matchup for the fans. Although both Walker and Ankalaev pack commendable skills in grappling, the UFC fights of the two to date may compel fans to think that they will be up for a striking showdown when these two lock horns on 21 October.