Magomed Ankalaev

Ankalaev was born on June 2, 1992, in Teletl', Shamilsky District, Dagestan, Russia,{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed0YVxaO3vc | title=Магомед Анкалаев - Первое большое интервью | website=YouTube | date=7 December 2022 }} to a family of Avar descent. Ankalaev first began training in Greco-Roman Wrestling for one year whilst he was a student at the Dagestan State University, where he graduated in the sport faculty. At that time he also competed in combat sambo, where he was honoured with the title of Master of Sports in the discipline.{{Cite web|url=http://www.xn--90acxpqg.xn--p1ai/blog/2016/06/114|script-title=ru:Интервью: Магомед Анкалаев - первый номер сборной России по ММА. Весовая категория до 93 кг, МСМК по ММА — БоксингТВ|website=www.xn--90acxpqg.xn--p1ai|language=ru|access-date=2018-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918012125/http://www.xn--90acxpqg.xn--p1ai/blog/2016/06/114|archive-date=2018-09-18|url-status=dead}} Ankalaev was compelled at the idea of transitioning to MMA, because of the similarity between MMA and combat sambo. Ankalaev then became the Russian and World champion in amateur MMA.{{Cite web|url=http://grozny-inform.ru/news/health/73247/|title=Магомед Анкалаев - чемпион России по ММА {{!}} Информационное агентство "Грозный-Информ"|website=grozny-inform.ru|language=en|access-date=2018-09-17|archive-date=2018-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918012432/http://grozny-inform.ru/news/health/73247/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://tass.ru/sport/2627422|title=Боец Магомед Анкалаев признан "Спортсменом года" в ММА|work=ТАСС|access-date=2018-09-17|archive-date=2018-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918054310/https://tass.ru/sport/2627422|url-status=live}} Ankalaev was also named the 2015 Mixed Martial Artist of Russia by the Russian MMA federation. Ankalaev is a devout Muslim.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sovsport.ru/mma/news/902012-magomed-ankalaev-ne-ischu-legkih-putej-primerom-v-mma-mne-sluzhit-put-fedora-emeljanenko|script-title=ru:Магомед Анкалаев: Не ищу легких путей, примером в ММА мне служит путь Федора Емельяненко|website=www.sovsport.ru|language=ru|access-date=2018-09-17|archive-date=2018-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918015605/https://www.sovsport.ru/mma/news/902012-magomed-ankalaev-ne-ischu-legkih-putej-primerom-v-mma-mne-sluzhit-put-fedora-emeljanenko|url-status=live}}

In December 2013, in the WMMAA's World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, Ankalaev won the gold medal, beating Kazakhstani Rustam Malaev in the finals.{{Cite web |date=2013-12-18 |title=Российская команда привезла домой Кубок мира «ММА-2013» |url=https://nik-rf.livejournal.com/19120.html |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Никита Афанасьев |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053304/https://nik-rf.livejournal.com/19120.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Интернет СМИ. Российская команда привезла домой Кубок мира «ММА-2013» |url=https://mmaunion.ru/news/internet-smi-rossijskaya-komanda/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=mmaunion.ru |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053259/https://mmaunion.ru/news/internet-smi-rossijskaya-komanda/ |url-status=live }}

In June 2014, at the Russian MMA Championship, Ankalaev ended up beating two of Fedor Emelianenko's students, Valentin Moldavsky in semi-final, and Vadim Nemkov in the finals;{{Cite web |title=Valetudo.Ru Новости ММА |url=https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=6478 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=valetudo.ru |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053305/https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=6478 |url-status=live }} thereby qualifying for the WMMAA Championship in Minsk, Belarus, in September of the same year. He went on to win the silver medal.{{Cite web |title=WMMAA - 2014 World Championships - Finals |url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/WMMAA-2014-World-Championships-Finals-81695 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Sherdog |language=en |archive-date=2021-11-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125112150/https://www.sherdog.com/events/WMMAA-2014-World-Championships-Finals-81695 |url-status=live }}

In March 2015, Ankalaev won the finals of the MMA Cup of Dagestan, by beating Muslim Magomedov.{{Cite web |title=Valetudo.Ru Новости ММА - Results from #40 |url=https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=8856&start=40 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=valetudo.ru |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053303/https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=8856&start=40 |url-status=live }} Barely a month later, Magomed Ankalaev won the Russian Cup, by again beating his rival, Muslim Magomedov in the final.{{Cite web |title=Russian Cup 2015: North Caucasian Federal District |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/54014-russian-cup-2015-north-caucasus-federal-district |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Tapology |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053258/https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/54014-russian-cup-2015-north-caucasus-federal-district |url-status=live }} One month later, at the Russian MMA Championship, Ankalaev beat his old rival Valentin Moldavsky via split decision in the final, to win the gold medal.{{Cite web |title=Valetudo.Ru Новости ММА |url=https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=7631 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=valetudo.ru |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053305/https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=7631 |url-status=live }} In November 2015, Ankalaev won the gold medal in the WMMAA World Championship held in Prague, Czech Republic.{{Cite web |title=Valetudo.Ru Новости ММА |url=https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=8841 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=valetudo.ru |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053312/https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=8841 |url-status=live }}

In May 2016, Ankalaev won the Russian MMA Championship, by beating Magomed Shakhrudinov in tourney finals.{{Cite web |title=Russian MMA Championship 2016 |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/63731-russian-mma-championship-2016 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Tapology |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053256/https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/63731-russian-mma-championship-2016 |url-status=live }} In November of the same year, Ankalaev won the Combat Sambo Cup of Dagestan,{{Cite web |title=Valetudo.Ru Новости ММА |url=https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=10010&suf= |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=valetudo.ru |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053306/https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=10010&suf= |url-status=live }} and the gold medal in the WMMAA Championship a few weeks later, in Macau, China.{{Cite web |title=SET-Online MMA |url=https://www.sportdata.org/mma/set-online/popup_main.php?popup_action=results&vernr=20&active_menu=calendar |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=www.sportdata.org |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053308/https://www.sportdata.org/mma/set-online/popup_main.php?popup_action=results&vernr=20&active_menu=calendar |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Valetudo.Ru Новости ММА |url=https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=10131&limitstart=0 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=valetudo.ru |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053317/https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=10131&limitstart=0 |url-status=live }}

Ankalaev made his professional debut on January 18, 2014, at Oplot Challenge 96, where he beat Vasily Babich of Ukraine by majority decision.{{Cite web|url=http://grozniy.bezformata.ru/listnews/verdum-v-londone-gotovyatsya-k-turniru/65492314/|script-title=ru:Магомед Анкалаев и Фабрицио Вердум в Лондоне готовятся к турниру|website=grozniy.bezformata.ru|language=ru|access-date=2018-03-13|archive-date=2018-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918123554/http://grozniy.bezformata.ru/listnews/verdum-v-londone-gotovyatsya-k-turniru/65492314/|url-status=dead}} In December 2015, Ankalaev won the MMA Super Cup of Russia, by beating Nadyr Bulkadarov in the pro exhibition fight.{{Cite web |title=Valetudo.Ru Новости ММА |url=https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=8599 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=valetudo.ru |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053317/https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=8599 |url-status=live }} At Akhmat FC in 2016, he won the Light Heavyweight Grand Prix.{{Cite web |title=Akhmat Fight Show 23: Grand Prix Akhmat 2016 |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/40292-akhmat-fight-show-23-grand-prix-akhmat-2016 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Tapology |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053303/https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/40292-akhmat-fight-show-23-grand-prix-akhmat-2016 |url-status=live }} After winning the Chechen MMA promotion World Fighting Championship Akhmat's world title he signed with the UFC in October 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://mma-today.com/ufc-signs-top-light-heavyweight-prospect-magomed-ankalaev|title=UFC Signs Top Light Heavyweight Prospects Magomed Ankalaev|website=mma-today.com|access-date=2017-10-11}}{{Dead link|date=March 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Ankalaev made his promotional debut against Paul Craig in March 2018 at UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Volkov.{{Cite web|url=https://karate.ru/news/2017-11-08/magomed-ankalaev-debyutiruet-v-ufc-v-marte/|title=Магомед Анкалаев дебютирует в UFC в марте на британской земле|website=karate.ru|language=ru|access-date=2018-09-17|archive-date=2018-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918054224/https://karate.ru/news/2017-11-08/magomed-ankalaev-debyutiruet-v-ufc-v-marte/|url-status=live}} Ankalaev dominated the fight for the majority of the bout, winning with clean striking, takedowns and top control; Ankalaev had Craig badly hurt with a body kick in the first round. However, in the last five seconds of round three, Craig caught Ankalaev with a triangle choke, giving him his first professional loss at exactly 4:59 of round three.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/03/ufc-fight-night-127-results-paul-craig-scores-miracle-submission-of-magomed-ankalaev-with-one-tick-left|title=UFC Fight Night 127 results: Paul Craig scores miracle submission of Magomed Ankalaev with one tick left|date=2018-03-17|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-09-17|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-08-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813091147/https://mmajunkie.com/2018/03/ufc-fight-night-127-results-paul-craig-scores-miracle-submission-of-magomed-ankalaev-with-one-tick-left|url-status=live}}

Rebounding from this loss, Ankalaev was scheduled to fight Marcin Prachnio on September 15, 2018, at UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Oleinik.{{Cite news|url=http://www.sport-express.ru/martial/mma/news/ankalaev-i-prachnio-srazyatsya-v-anderkarte-boya-oleynika-i-hanta-v-moskve-1446271/|title=Анкалаев и Прачнио сразятся в андеркарте боя Олейника и Ханта в Москве|date=2018-08-16|access-date=2018-09-17|archive-date=2018-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918054341/http://www.sport-express.ru/martial/mma/news/ankalaev-i-prachnio-srazyatsya-v-anderkarte-boya-oleynika-i-hanta-v-moskve-1446271/|url-status=live}} After a slow start, Ankalaev landed a right hook counter that knocked down Prachnio, who then got up, only to then be hit with a head kick and follow up punch which rendered him unconscious.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2018/9/15/17863622/ufc-moscow-full-fight-video-highlights-magomed-ankalaev-knockout-marcin-prachnio-russia-mma|title=Highlights! Ankalaev Lands Vicious Head Kick KO At UFC Moscow|work=MMAmania.com|access-date=2018-09-17|archive-date=2018-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918012359/https://www.mmamania.com/2018/9/15/17863622/ufc-moscow-full-fight-video-highlights-magomed-ankalaev-knockout-marcin-prachnio-russia-mma|url-status=live}} The knockout earned Ankalaev his first UFC win and Performance of the Night award.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/09/ufc-fight-night-136-moscow-russia-bonuses-oleinik-blachowicz-ankalaev-yan|title=UFC Fight Night 136 bonuses: Oleinik, Blachowicz among $50,000 winners|date=2018-09-15|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-09-17|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-09-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915223228/https://mmajunkie.com/2018/09/ufc-fight-night-136-moscow-russia-bonuses-oleinik-blachowicz-ankalaev-yan|url-status=live}}

Ankalaev was expected to face Darko Stošić on February 23, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 145.{{cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/magomed-ankalaev-treft-darko-stosic-tijdens-ufc-praag/|title=Magomed Ankalaev meets Darko Stosic during UFC Prague|publisher=mmadna.nl|author=Marcel Dorff|date=2018-11-27|access-date=2018-11-27|language=nl|archive-date=2018-11-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128075158/http://mmadna.nl/magomed-ankalaev-treft-darko-stosic-tijdens-ufc-praag/|url-status=live}} However, Stošić pulled out of the fight on January 23 citing injury.{{Cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/darko-stosic-geblesseerd-magomed-ankalaev-zonder-tegenstander-in-praag/|title=Darko Stosic injured, Magomed Ankalaev without opponent in Prague|last=Dorff|first=Marcel|date=2019-01-23|website=mmadna.nl|language=nl|access-date=2019-01-23|archive-date=2019-09-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925133310/https://mmadna.nl/darko-stosic-geblesseerd-magomed-ankalaev-zonder-tegenstander-in-praag/|url-status=live}} Ankalaev instead faced promotional newcomer Klidson Abreu.{{Cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/braziliaan-klidson-abreu-pakt-short-notice-partij-tegen-magomed-ankalaev-in-praag/|title=Brazilian Klidson Abreu takes short notice fight against Magomed Ankalaev in Prague|last=Dorff|first=Marcel|date=2019-01-25|website=mmadna.nl|language=nl|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126060832/http://mmadna.nl/braziliaan-klidson-abreu-pakt-short-notice-partij-tegen-magomed-ankalaev-in-praag/|url-status=live}} Ankalaev won the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/02/ufc-on-espn-3-results-prague-magomed-ankalaev-tops-gritty-klidson-farias-broken-nose|title=UFC Prague results: Magomed Ankalaev tops gritty newcomer Klidson Farias|date=2019-02-23|website=MMAjunkie|language=en|access-date=2019-02-24|archive-date=2019-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224055515/https://mmajunkie.com/2019/02/ufc-on-espn-3-results-prague-magomed-ankalaev-tops-gritty-klidson-farias-broken-nose|url-status=live}}

Ankalaev faced Dalcha Lungiambula on November 9, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 163.{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/magomed-ankalaev-vs-dalcha-lungiambula-toegevoegd-aan-ufc-moskou/|title=Magomed Ankalaev vs. Dalcha Lungiambula added to UFC Moscow|author=Redactie|website=mmada.nl.|date=2019-09-05|access-date=2019-09-05|archive-date=2019-09-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905172159/https://mmadna.nl/magomed-ankalaev-vs-dalcha-lungiambula-toegevoegd-aan-ufc-moskou/|url-status=live}}{{in lang|nl}} He won the fight via knockout in the third round.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/11/09/ufc-moscow-results-magomed-ankalaev-vs-dalcha-lungiambula/|title=UFC Moscow Results: Magomed Ankalaev KO's Lungiambula|last=Evanoff|first=Josh|date=2019-11-09|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-09|archive-date=2019-11-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109194338/https://cagesidepress.com/2019/11/09/ufc-moscow-results-magomed-ankalaev-vs-dalcha-lungiambula/|url-status=live}} This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lowkickmma.com/ufc-moscow-bonuses-attendance-gate/|title=UFC Moscow Bonuses, Attendance & Gate|date=2019-11-09|website=lowkickmma.com|author=Jon Fuentes|access-date=2019-11-10|archive-date=2019-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110012232/https://www.lowkickmma.com/ufc-moscow-bonuses-attendance-gate/|url-status=live}}

Ankalaev faced Ion Cuțelaba on February 29, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 169.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/01/ufc-on-espn-plus-27-norfolk-bouts-added-serghei-spivac-marcin-tybura|title=Three bouts added to growing UFC on ESPN+ 27 lineup|website=www.mmajunkie.com|author=Nolan King|date=2020-01-02|access-date=2020-01-02|archive-date=2020-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102194744/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/01/ufc-on-espn-plus-27-norfolk-bouts-added-serghei-spivac-marcin-tybura|url-status=live}} He won via a technical knockout in the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/02/29/ufc-norfolk-results-magomed-ankalaev-ion-cutelaba/|title=UFC Norfolk Results: Magomed Ankalaev Gets Controversial Stoppage Win Over Ion Cuțelaba|last=Fuentes|first=Jon|date=2020-02-29|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-01|archive-date=2020-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301131324/https://cagesidepress.com/2020/02/29/ufc-norfolk-results-magomed-ankalaev-ion-cutelaba/|url-status=live}} The win was not without controversy as referee Kevin MacDonald stopped the bout believing Cuțelaba was out on his feet while still standing, which Cuțelaba immediately protested. The stoppage was heavily criticized by media outlets, fighters, and fans as being premature.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/02/ufc-on-espn-plus-27-norfolk-magomed-ankalaev-controversial-tko-over-ion-cutelaba|title=UFC on ESPN+ 27 results: Magomed Ankalaev takes controversial TKO over Ion Cutelaba|website=www.mmajunkie.com|date=2020-02-29|access-date=2020-03-01|archive-date=2020-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301095842/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/02/ufc-on-espn-plus-27-norfolk-magomed-ankalaev-controversial-tko-over-ion-cutelaba|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ion-cutelaba/ufc-fighters-react-to-terrible-stoppage-in-ankalaev-vs-cutelaba-fight/|title=UFC Fighters react to terrible stoppage in Ankalaev vs. Cutelaba fight|website=bjpenn.com|author=Chris Taylor|date=2020-02-29|access-date=2020-03-01|archive-date=2020-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301160119/https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ion-cutelaba/ufc-fighters-react-to-terrible-stoppage-in-ankalaev-vs-cutelaba-fight/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/ufc-norfolk-ion-cutelaba-magomed-ankalaev-early-stoppage-outrage-032943519.html|title='Unbelievably bad': UFC fans erupt over 'worst stoppage ever'|website=au.sports.yahoo.com|date=March 2020 |language=en-AU|access-date=2020-03-02|archive-date=2020-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302171513/https://au.sports.yahoo.com/ufc-norfolk-ion-cutelaba-magomed-ankalaev-early-stoppage-outrage-032943519.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/ufc/mma-fans-left-fuming-as-referee-stops-fight-after-38-seconds/news-story/cf36b2e2325d513b86b49dd1b418b000|title=UFC 169: UFC Fight Night 169, referee stoppage, worst stoppage ever, Magomed Ankalaev, Ion Cutelaba|date=2020-03-01|website=Fox Sports|language=en-AU|access-date=2020-03-02|archive-date=2020-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302105033/https://www.foxsports.com.au/ufc/mma-fans-left-fuming-as-referee-stops-fight-after-38-seconds/news-story/cf36b2e2325d513b86b49dd1b418b000|url-status=live}} Consequently, the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupation Regulation (DPOR) reviewed the fight, denying Cuțelaba's appeal to overturn the loss.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/3/2/21162046/virginia-commission-review-expected-ion-cutelaba-appeal-after-ufc-norfolk-loss-to-magomed-ankalaev|title=Virginia commission to review expected Ion Cutelaba appeal after UFC Norfolk loss to Magomed Ankalaev|last=Marrocco|first=Steven|date=2020-03-02|website=MMA Fighting|language=en|access-date=2020-03-06|archive-date=2020-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303071159/https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/3/2/21162046/virginia-commission-review-expected-ion-cutelaba-appeal-after-ufc-norfolk-loss-to-magomed-ankalaev|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/virginia-athletic-commission-likely-to-review-controversial-tko-stoppage-at-ufc-norfolk|title=Virginia athletic commission likely to review controversial TKO stoppage at UFC Norfolk|date=2020-03-03|website=www.sportskeeda.com|language=en-us|access-date=2020-03-06|archive-date=2020-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022071422/https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/virginia-athletic-commission-likely-to-review-controversial-tko-stoppage-at-ufc-norfolk|url-status=live}}

A rematch against Cuțelaba was expected to take place on August 15, 2020, at UFC 252.{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/rematch-na-controversiele-eerste-partij-tussen-magomed-ankalaev-en-ion-cutelaba-tijdens-ufc-252/|title=Rematch after controversial first game between Magomed Ankalaev and Ion Cutelaba at UFC 252|publisher=mmadna.nl|date=2020-06-12|access-date=2020-06-12|archive-date=2020-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612140337/https://mmadna.nl/rematch-na-controversiele-eerste-partij-tussen-magomed-ankalaev-en-ion-cutelaba-tijdens-ufc-252/|url-status=live}} {{in lang|nl}} Cuțelaba then pulled out on August 11 after testing positive for COVID-19 and the bout was rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 175.{{Cite web|title=Ion Cuțelaba tests positive for COVID-19, rematch against Magomed Ankalaev bumped from UFC 252 to August 29 event|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/8/11/21364211/ion-cutelaba-positive-for-covid-19-ufc-252-rematch-with-magomed-ankalaev-off|access-date=2020-08-11|publisher=mmafighting.com|first1=Steven|last1=Marrocco|first2=Damon|last2=Martin|date=2020-08-11|archive-date=2020-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812172715/https://www.mmafighting.com/platform/amp/2020/8/11/21364211/ion-cutelaba-positive-for-covid-19-ufc-252-rematch-with-magomed-ankalaev-off|url-status=live}} However, the day of the event, it was announced the fight was once again cancelled after Cuțelaba tested positive for COVID-19 for a second time.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/8/29/21406915/ion-cutelaba-magomed-ankalaev-off-tonight-ufc-vegas-8-positive-covid-19-test|title=Ion Cutelaba vs. Magomed Ankalaev pulled from UFC Vegas 8 due to positive COVID-19 test|work=MMAFighting.com|author=Guillherme Cruz|date=August 29, 2020|access-date=August 29, 2020}} They eventually faced each other at UFC 254.{{cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/9/9/21429758/ufc-254-khabib-vs-gaethje-fight-booking-ion-cutelaba-vs-magomed-ankalaev-rematch-covid-mma|title=Fifth time's a charm - UFC re-books Cutelaba vs. Ankalaev again|publisher=Bloodyelbow.com|author=Zane Simon|date=2020-09-09|access-date=2020-09-09|archive-date=2020-09-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910203126/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/9/9/21429758/ufc-254-khabib-vs-gaethje-fight-booking-ion-cutelaba-vs-magomed-ankalaev-rematch-covid-mma|url-status=live}} Ankalaev won the fight via knockout in round one.{{Cite web|last=Doherty|first=Dan|date=2020-10-24|title=UFC 254 Results: Magomed Ankalaev Settles Score, Sleeps Ion Cutelaba|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/10/24/ufc-254-results-magomed-ankalaev/|access-date=2020-10-24|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-10-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028205001/https://cagesidepress.com/2020/10/24/ufc-254-results-magomed-ankalaev/|url-status=live}} This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2020-10-24|title=UFC 254 Bonuses: Khabib Earns Performance Award in Final Fight|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/10/24/ufc-254-bonuses-khabib-nurmagomedov-earns-performance-award-final-fight/|access-date=2020-10-25|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-05-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516210828/https://cagesidepress.com/2020/10/24/ufc-254-bonuses-khabib-nurmagomedov-earns-performance-award-final-fight/|url-status=live}}

Ankalev faced Nikita Krylov on February 27, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 186.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-30|title=Nikita Krylov treft Magomed Ankalaev tijdens UFC evenement op 27 februari|url=https://mmadna.nl/nikita-krylov-treft-magomed-ankalaev-tijdens-ufc-evenement-op-27-februari/|access-date=2020-12-30|website=MMA DNA|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-12-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230071935/https://mmadna.nl/nikita-krylov-treft-magomed-ankalaev-tijdens-ufc-evenement-op-27-februari/|url-status=live}} He won the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|last=Doherty|first=Dan|date=2021-02-27|title=UFC Vegas 20 Results: Magomed Ankalaev Finishes Strong, Defeats Nikita Krylov|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/02/27/ufc-vegas-20-results-magomed-ankalaev/|access-date=2021-02-28|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228032239/https://cagesidepress.com/2021/02/27/ufc-vegas-20-results-magomed-ankalaev/|url-status=live}}

Ankalaev was scheduled to face Volkan Oezdemir on September 4, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 191.{{Cite web|date=2021-07-18|title=Magomed Ankalaev treft Volkan Oezdemir op 4 september tijdens "UFC London" evenement|url=https://mmadna.nl/magomed-ankalaev-treft-volkan-oezdemir-op-4-september-tijdens-ufc-london-evenement/|access-date=2021-07-19|website=MMA DNA|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720101042/https://mmadna.nl/magomed-ankalaev-treft-volkan-oezdemir-op-4-september-tijdens-ufc-london-evenement/|url-status=live}} The fight was later moved to UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi on October 30, 2021.{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2021-08-29|title=Magomed Ankalaev vs. Volkan Oezdemir Announced for UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/08/29/magomed-ankalaev-volkan-oezdemir-ufc-267/|access-date=2021-08-29|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829161532/https://cagesidepress.com/2021/08/29/magomed-ankalaev-volkan-oezdemir-ufc-267/|url-status=live}} He won the bout via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|last=Behunin|first=Alex|date=2021-10-30|title=UFC 267 Results: Magomed Ankalaev Extends Win Streak with Decision Over Volkan Oezdemir|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/10/30/ufc-267-results-magomed-ankalaev-defeats-volkan-oezdemir-via-unanimous-decision/|access-date=2021-10-30|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030190041/https://cagesidepress.com/2021/10/30/ufc-267-results-magomed-ankalaev-defeats-volkan-oezdemir-via-unanimous-decision/|url-status=live}}

Ankalaev faced Thiago Santos on March 12, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 203.{{Cite web|date=2021-11-19|title=Thiago Santos vs. Magomed Ankalaev is het Main Event tijdens UFC evenement op 12 maart|url=https://mmadna.nl/thiago-santos-vs-magomed-ankalaev-is-het-main-event-tijdens-ufc-evenement-op-12-maart/|access-date=2021-11-19|website=MMA DNA|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321125422/https://mmadna.nl/thiago-santos-vs-magomed-ankalaev-is-het-main-event-tijdens-ufc-evenement-op-12-maart/|url-status=live}} He won the bout via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Eddie |date=2022-03-12 |title=UFC Vegas 50: Magomed Ankalaev Victorious After Five Rounds with Thiago Santos, Calls For Title Shot |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/03/12/ufc-vegas-50-thiago-santos-vs-magomed-ankalaev/ |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-03-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313030438/https://cagesidepress.com/2022/03/12/ufc-vegas-50-thiago-santos-vs-magomed-ankalaev/ |url-status=live }}

Ankalaev next faced Anthony Smith on July 30, 2022, at UFC 277.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/05/ufc-277-news-magomed-ankalaev-vs-anthony-smith|title=UFC 277 adds Magomed Anakalev vs. Anthony Smith|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King and Mike Bohn|date=2022-05-03|access-date=2022-05-03|archive-date=2022-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504030810/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/05/ufc-277-news-magomed-ankalaev-vs-anthony-smith|url-status=live}} He won the fight via technical knockout in the second round.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2022-07-30 |title=UFC 277: Magomed Ankalaev Finishes Anthony Smith, "Lionheart" Suffers Leg Injury |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/07/30/ufc-277-anthony-smith-vs-magomed-ankalaev/ |access-date=2022-08-01 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731024108/https://cagesidepress.com/2022/07/30/ufc-277-anthony-smith-vs-magomed-ankalaev/ |url-status=live }}

Ankalaev fought Jan Błachowicz for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship on December 10, 2022, at UFC 282.{{Cite web |author=Farah Hannoun |date=2022-10-11 |title=Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev set for UFC 282 on Dec. 10 |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/10/ufc-282-jan-blachowicz-vs-magomed-ankalaev-mma-fight-booking-announcement-matchup |access-date=2022-10-11 |publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com |archive-date=2022-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011233734/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/10/ufc-282-jan-blachowicz-vs-magomed-ankalaev-mma-fight-booking-announcement-matchup |url-status=live }} At first, it was booked as a 3-round co-main event, but then-reigning UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka pulled out of his title defense against Glover Teixeira due to a shoulder injury and subsequently vacated his title, and the fight between Blachowicz and Ankalaev was changed to a 5-round title fight.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-23 |title=Jiri Prochazka out of UFC 282, vacates title; Magomed Ankalaev vs. Jan Blachowicz fight for vacant belt |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/11/23/23475843/report-jiri-prochazka-out-of-ufc-282-vacates-title-magomed-ankalaev-vs-jan-blachowicz-new-main-event |access-date=2022-11-24 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en |archive-date=2022-11-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123233325/https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/11/23/23475843/report-jiri-prochazka-out-of-ufc-282-vacates-title-magomed-ankalaev-vs-jan-blachowicz-new-main-event |url-status=live }} The fight ended in a controversial{{Cite news |title=UFC LHW title fight ends in controversial split draw |url=https://theathletic.com/3990213/2022/12/11/jan-blachowicz-magomed-ankalaev-ufc-282-draw/ |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=The Athletic |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211210642/https://theathletic.com/3990213/2022/12/11/jan-blachowicz-magomed-ankalaev-ufc-282-draw/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=UFC 282: Magomed Ankalaev-Jan Blachowicz title fight ends in bizarre split draw |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ufc-282-magomed-ankalaev-jan-blachowicz-title-fight-ends-in-bizarre-split-draw-062558454.html |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=sports.yahoo.com |date=11 December 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-12-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211192944/https://sports.yahoo.com/ufc-282-magomed-ankalaev-jan-blachowicz-title-fight-ends-in-bizarre-split-draw-062558454.html |url-status=live }} split draw.{{Cite web |last=Doherty |first=Dan |date=2022-12-11 |title=UFC 282: Magomed Ankalaev and Jan Blachowicz Fight to Puzzling Draw |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/12/11/ufc-282-magomed-ankalaev-jan-blachowicz-fight-puzzling-draw/ |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-12-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211062039/https://cagesidepress.com/2022/12/11/ufc-282-magomed-ankalaev-jan-blachowicz-fight-puzzling-draw/ |url-status=live }} 23 out of 25 media members scored the fight as a win for Ankalaev.{{Cite web |title=Magomed Ankalaev drew with Jan Blachowicz :: UFC 282 :: MMA Decisions |url=http://mmadecisions.com/decision/13678/Magomed-Ankalaev-vs-Jan-Blachowicz |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=mmadecisions.com |archive-date=2022-12-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211071939/http://www.mmadecisions.com/decision/13678/Magomed-Ankalaev-vs-Jan-Blachowicz |url-status=live }}

Ankalaev faced Johnny Walker at UFC 294.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-31 |title=Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker set for UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/07/ufc-294-abu-dhabi-magomed-ankalaev-vs-johnny-walker-mma-fight-booking-matchup-announcement |access-date=2023-08-11 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} The fight ended in a no-contest after an illegal knee by Ankalaev and the cage-side doctor controversially deemed Walker was unable to continue the fight.{{Cite web |last=Dewar |first=Val |date=2023-10-21 |title=UFC 294: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker Ends in Controversial No-Contest |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/10/21/ufc-294-magomed-ankalaev-vs-johnny-walker-ends-in-controversial-no-contest-after-grounded-knee/ |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Due to the controversial ending, the pair quickly rematched at UFC Fight Night 234 on January 13, 2024.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-13 |title=UFC books Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker rematch to headline first event of 2024 |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/11/ufc-fight-night-magomed-ankalaev-vs-johnny-walker-rematch-booked-headline-jan-13 |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} Ankalaev won the fight by knockout in the second round after dropping Walker with a right hand. This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2024/1/13/24037025/ufc-vegas-84-post-fight-bonus-winners-results-ankalaev-walker-espn-miller-ferreira-mcghee|title=Bonuses! Jim Miller cashes in again with co-main event submission - UFC Vegas 84|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Dan Hiergesell|date=2024-01-13|access-date=2024-01-13}}

Ankalaev faced Aleksandar Rakić on October 26, 2024 at UFC 308.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/08/ufc-308-abu-dhabi-magomed-ankalaev-vs-aleksandar-rakic-mma-fight-booking-announcement|title=Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic sneaks its way into jam-packed UFC 308 lineup|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=MMA Junkie Staff|date=2024-08-03|access-date=2024-08-03}} He won the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/10/26/ufc-308-magomed-ankalaev-beats-aleksandar-rakic-tells-poatan-to-stop-running/|title=UFC 308: Magomed Ankalaev Beats Aleksandar Rakic, Tells Poatan to "Stop Running"|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Jay Anderson|date=2024-10-26|access-date=2024-10-26}}

Ankalaev faced Alex Pereira for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship on March 8, 2025 at UFC 313.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/01/ufc-313-alex-pereira-vs-magomedov-ankalaev-title-fight-headlines|title=Alex Pereira vs. Magomedov Ankalaev title fight headlines UFC 313 in March|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2025-01-18|access-date=2025-01-18}} He won the championship by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2025/03/09/ufc-313-magomed-ankalaev-rains-on-poatans-parade-dethrones-alex-pereira/|title=UFC 313: Magomed Ankalaev Rains on Poatan’s Parade, Dethrones Alex Pereira|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Jay Anderson|date=2025-03-09|access-date=2025-03-09}}

Ankalaev lost his father when he was in the ninth or tenth grade.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=622&v=H40w0p6Xbg4|title=UFC 313 Countdown - Full Episode - Ankalaev Interview|publisher=youtube.com|author=UFC|date=2025-03-01|access-date=2025-03-02}} He, as the oldest son, has three sisters and one brother.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hTa-KnMbvM&t=79s|title=Is Magomed Ankalaev the BIGGEST threat to Alex Pereira UFC Title reign? - UFC 313 - Ankalaev Interview|publisher=youtube.com|author=Nina Drama|date=2025-02-27|access-date=2025-03-02}} Ankalaev owns a coffee shop called "Ankl".{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBdHPiDvjSM&t=796s|title=The TRUTH behind Magomed Ankalaev tweets + thoughts on fighting Alex Pereira - UFC 313 - Ankalaev Interview|publisher=youtube.com|author=Nina Drama|date=2025-03-06|access-date=2025-03-07}}

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• UFC Light Heavyweight Championship (One time, current)
• First Russian UFC Light Heavyweight Champion{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-313-post-event-facts-justin-gaethje-fight-of-the-night-record|title=UFC 313 post-event facts: Justin Gaethje's bonus run continues, approaches Fight of the Night record|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2025-03-09|access-date=2025-03-08}}
• Performance of the Night (Four times) {{small|vs. Marcin Prachnio, Dalcha Lungiambula, Ion Cuțelaba and Johnny Walker}}
• Second longest win streak in UFC Light Heavyweight division history (9){{Cite web|url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0&weight_class=LHW|title=UFC Light Heavyweight Division - Stats|publisher=UFC|author=UFC|date=2022-03-13|access-date=2022-03-13|archive-date=2022-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019070310/http://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0&weight_class=LHW|url-status=live}}
• Second longest unbeaten streak in UFC Light Heavyweight division history (14) (behind Jon Jones)
• Fifth longest unbeaten streak in UFC history (14)
• World Fighting Championship Akhmat
• WFCA Light Heavyweight Champion (One time)
• One successful title defense
• 2016 Akhmat FC Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Tournament Winner{{Cite web |title=Akhmat Fight Show 23: Grand Prix Akhmat 2016 |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/40292-akhmat-fight-show-23-grand-prix-akhmat-2016 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Tapology |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053303/https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/40292-akhmat-fight-show-23-grand-prix-akhmat-2016 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=WFCA 30 - 2016 WFC Akhmat Grand Prix Final |url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/WFCA-30-2016-WFC-Akhmat-Grand-Prix-Final-55635 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Sherdog |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053302/https://www.sherdog.com/events/WFCA-30-2016-WFC-Akhmat-Grand-Prix-Final-55635 |url-status=live }}
• Russian MMA Union
• MMA Super Cup of Russia 2015{{Cite web |title=Supercup Of Russia 2015 |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/37129-mfp-russias-mma-supercup-2015 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Tapology |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053302/https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/37129-mfp-russias-mma-supercup-2015 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Russian MMA Union - 2015 Russian MMA Super Cup |url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/Russian-MMA-Union-2015-Russian-MMA-Super-Cup-60413 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Sherdog |language=en |archive-date=2021-12-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228114307/https://www.sherdog.com/events/Russian-MMA-Union-2015-Russian-MMA-Super-Cup-60413 |url-status=live }}

• World MMA Association (WMMAA)
• {{gold1}} World Cup {{small|at Light Heavyweight (2013)}}{{Cite web |title=Интернет СМИ. Российская команда привезла домой Кубок мира «ММА-2013» |url=https://mmaunion.ru/news/internet-smi-rossijskaya-komanda/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=mmaunion.ru |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053259/https://mmaunion.ru/news/internet-smi-rossijskaya-komanda/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2013-12-18 |title=Российская команда привезла домой Кубок мира «ММА-2013» |url=https://nik-rf.livejournal.com/19120.html |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Никита Афанасьев |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053304/https://nik-rf.livejournal.com/19120.html |url-status=live }}
• {{silver2}} World Championship {{small|at Light Heavyweight (2014)}}{{Cite web |title=Valetudo.Ru Новости ММА |url=https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=6655 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=valetudo.ru |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053304/https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=6655 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=WMMAA: World Championship 2014 (Day 2) |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/41358-belarus-fc-30 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Tapology |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053259/https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/41358-belarus-fc-30 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=WMMAA - 2014 World Championships - Finals |url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/WMMAA-2014-World-Championships-Finals-81695 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Sherdog |language=en |archive-date=2021-11-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125112150/https://www.sherdog.com/events/WMMAA-2014-World-Championships-Finals-81695 |url-status=live }}
• {{gold1}} World Championship {{small|at Light Heavyweight (2015)}}{{Cite web |title=GCF 32: WMMAA Finals |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/35200-gcf-32-wmmaa-finals |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Tapology |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053302/https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/35200-gcf-32-wmmaa-finals |url-status=live }}
• {{gold1}} World Championship {{small|at Light Heavyweight (2016)}}{{Cite web |title=SET-Onoline MMA |url=https://www.sportdata.org/mma/set-online/popup_main.php?popup_action=results&vernr=20&active_menu=calendar |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=www.sportdata.org |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053308/https://www.sportdata.org/mma/set-online/popup_main.php?popup_action=results&vernr=20&active_menu=calendar |url-status=live }}
• Russian MMA Union
• {{gold1}} Russian MMA Championship {{small|at Light Heavyweight (2014)}}
• {{gold1}} Moscow Open Cup {{small|at Light Heavyweight (2014)}}{{Cite web |title=Russian MMA Union - Moscow Open Cup 2014, Finals |url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/Russian-MMA-Union-Moscow-Open-Cup-2014-Finals-73747 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Sherdog |language=en |archive-date=2022-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111004416/https://www.sherdog.com/events/Russian-MMA-Union-Moscow-Open-Cup-2014-Finals-73747 |url-status=live }}
• {{gold1}} Super Cup of Russia {{small|at Light Heavyweight (2014)}}{{Cite web |title=Valetudo.Ru Новости ММА |url=https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=7035 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=valetudo.ru |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053304/https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=7035 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Supercup Of Russia 2014 |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/26864-fefomp-russias-mma-supercup |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Tapology |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053304/https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/26864-fefomp-russias-mma-supercup |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=FEFoMP and Russian MMA Union - Russia's MMA Amateur Supercup |url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/FEFoMP-and-Russian-MMA-Union-Russias-MMA-Amateur-Supercup-42411 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Sherdog |language=en |archive-date=2022-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111142000/https://www.sherdog.com/events/FEFoMP-and-Russian-MMA-Union-Russias-MMA-Amateur-Supercup-42411 |url-status=live }}
• {{gold1}} MMA Cup of Dagestan {{small|at Light Heavyweight (2015)}}
• {{gold1}} Russian Cup: North Caucasian Federal District {{small|at Light Heavyweight (2015)}}{{Cite web |title=Valetudo.Ru Новости ММА |url=https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=7521 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=valetudo.ru |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053311/https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=7521 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Russian Cup 2015: North Caucasian Federal District |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/54014-russian-cup-2015-north-caucasus-federal-district |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Tapology |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053258/https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/54014-russian-cup-2015-north-caucasus-federal-district |url-status=live }}
• {{gold1}} Russian MMA Championship {{small|at Light Heavyweight (2015)}}{{Cite web |title=Russian MMA Union - Omsk Cup |url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/Russian-MMA-Union-Omsk-Cup-46529 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Sherdog |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053301/https://www.sherdog.com/events/Russian-MMA-Union-Omsk-Cup-46529 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Russian MMA Championship 2015 |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/50715-russian-mma-championship-2015 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Tapology |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053301/https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/50715-russian-mma-championship-2015 |url-status=live }}
• {{gold1}} Russian MMA Championship {{small|at Light Heavyweight (2016)}}{{Cite web |title=Valetudo.Ru Новости ММА |url=https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=9342 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=valetudo.ru |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053300/https://valetudo.ru/component/fightbase/tournament?id=9342 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Russian MMA Championship 2016 |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/63731-russian-mma-championship-2016 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Tapology |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208053256/https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/63731-russian-mma-championship-2016 |url-status=live }}
• Combat Sambo
• {{gold1}} Combat Sambo Cup of Dagestan {{small|at Light Heavyweight (2016)}}

{{MMArecordbox

| draws= 1

| nc= 1

| ko-wins= 10

| sub-wins=

| dec-wins= 10

| ko-losses=

| sub-losses= 1

| dec-losses=

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{Yes2}}Win

|align=center|20–1–1 (1)

|Alex Pereira

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 313

|{{dts|2025|March|8}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Won the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|19–1–1 (1)

|Aleksandar Rakić

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 308

|{{dts|2024|October|26}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|18–1–1 (1)

|Johnny Walker

|KO (punches)

|UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2

|{{dts|2024|January|13}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|2:42

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{draw}}NC

|align=center|{{nowrap|17–1–1 (1)}}

|Johnny Walker

|NC (illegal knee)

|UFC 294

|{{dts|2023|October|21}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:13

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|{{small|Accidental illegal knee rendered Walker unable to continue.}}

|-

|{{draw}}Draw

|align=center|{{nowrap|17–1–1}}

|Jan Błachowicz

|Draw (split)

|UFC 282

|{{dts|2022|December|10}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|For the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|17–1

|Anthony Smith

|TKO (punches)

|UFC 277

|{{dts|2022|July|30}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|3:09

|Dallas, Texas, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|16–1

|Thiago Santos

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Ankalaev

|{{dts|2022|March|12}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|15–1

|Volkan Oezdemir

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 267

|{{dts|2021|October|30}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|14–1

|Nikita Krylov

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Gane

|{{dts|2021|February|27}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|13–1

|Ion Cuțelaba

|KO (punches)

|UFC 254

|{{dts|2020|October|24}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:19

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|12–1

|Ion Cuțelaba

|TKO (head kicks and punches)

|UFC Fight Night: Benavidez vs. Figueiredo

|{{dts|2020|February|29}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:38

|Norfolk, Virginia, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|11–1

|Dalcha Lungiambula

|KO (front kick and punch)

|UFC Fight Night: Magomedsharipov vs. Kattar

|{{dts|2019|November|9}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|0:29

|Moscow, Russia

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|10–1

|Klidson Abreu

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Błachowicz vs. Santos

|{{dts|2019|February|23}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Prague, Czech Republic

|{{small|Catchweight (209 lb) bout; Abreu missed weight.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|9–1

|Marcin Prachnio

|KO (head kick and punches)

|UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Oleinik

|{{dts|2018|September|15}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:09

|Moscow, Russia

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|8–1

|Paul Craig

|Submission (triangle choke)

|UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Volkov

|{{dts|2018|March|17}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|4:59

|London, England

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|8–0

|Celso Ricardo da Silva

|KO (punches)

|WFCA 43

|{{dts|2017|October|04}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:11

|Grozny, Russia

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|7–0

|Wagner Prado

|KO (punches)

|WFCA 38

|{{dts|2017|June|21}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:33

|Grozny, Russia

|{{small|Defended the WFCA Light Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center|6–0

| Maxim Grishin

| TKO (punches)

| WFCA 30

|{{dts|2016|October|04}}

|align=center|4

|align=center|1:13

|Grozny, Russia

|{{small|Won the vacant WFCA Light Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 5–0

| Artur Astakhov

| Decision (unanimous)

| WFCA 23

| {{dts|2016|June|11}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Grozny, Russia

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 4–0

| Lloyd Marshbanks

| TKO (submission to punches)

| WFCA 18

| {{dts|2016|April|09}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:15

| Grozny, Russia

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 3–0

| Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov

| Decision (unanimous)

| Oplot Challenge 103

| {{dts|2014|October|18}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Moscow, Russia

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 2–0

| Denić Strahinja

| Decision (unanimous)

| Tesla Fighting Championship 4

| {{dts|2014|June|14}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Pančevo, Serbia

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 1–0

| Vasily Babich

| Decision (majority)

| Oplot Challenge 96

| {{dts|2014|January|18}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Kharkiv, Ukraine

|{{small|Light Heavyweight debut.}}

|-

|}

{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Magomed-Ankalaev-170785|title=Magomed Ankalaev MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography|website=Sherdog|access-date=2019-11-10|archive-date=2018-09-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919062032/http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Magomed-Ankalaev-170785|url-status=live}}

• List of current UFC fighters
• List of male mixed martial artists

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Sports links}}
• {{Instagram}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-ach|ach}}

{{s-bef|before=Alex Pereira}}

{{s-ttl|title= 20th UFC Light Heavyweight Champion

|years=March 8, 2025 – present}}

{{s-inc}}

{{s-end}}

{{UFC title holders}}

{{UFC Light Heavyweight Championship}}

{{UFC Light Heavyweight Rankings}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ankalaev, Magomed}}

Category:1992 births

Category:Living people

Category:Martial artists from Makhachkala

Category:People from Shamilsky District

Category:Russian male mixed martial artists

Category:Russian sambo practitioners

Category:Light heavyweight mixed martial artists

Category:Avar people

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters

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Category:Dagestan State University alumni