Over the past decade, Dagestani fighters have taken the MMA world by storm, dominating the landscape and producing some of the most dominant champions in the sport. Names like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev have become synonymous with success and excellence in the octagon. And now, joining this elite list of fighters is the newly crowned lightweight champion, Magomed Ankalaev.
Ankalaev’s rise to the top has been nothing short of impressive. Hailing from Dagestan, a small republic in Russia known for producing some of the best MMA fighters in the world, Ankalaev has been making waves in the sport since his debut in 2017. With a record of 15 wins and just one loss, he has quickly established himself as one of the most promising fighters in the UFC.
What sets Ankalaev apart from his Dagestani counterparts is his fighting style. While most Dagestani fighters prefer to do most of their work on the ground, Ankalaev is a well-rounded fighter who is equally comfortable on his feet as he is on the ground. His striking skills are top-notch, and he has proven time and again that he can hold his own against some of the best strikers in the division.
Ankalaev’s journey to the top has not been an easy one. He faced his first and only loss in his second UFC fight against Paul Craig in 2018. However, he bounced back from that defeat and went on to win his next six fights in a row, including a dominant performance against Ion Cutelaba in their highly anticipated rematch in 2020.
But it was his recent victory over Thiago Santos at UFC 259 that truly put Ankalaev on the map. Going up against a former title challenger and one of the most dangerous strikers in the division, Ankalaev put on a masterclass performance, showcasing his striking skills and dominating Santos for three rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory. This win not only solidified his spot as a top contender in the division but also earned him the UFC lightweight championship.
Ankalaev’s impressive performance caught the attention of UFC legend and former lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov. In a recent interview, Khabib praised Ankalaev’s skills and stated that he believes Ankalaev is in a better spot than where he was two years ago. This is high praise coming from someone like Khabib, who knows a thing or two about dominating the lightweight division.
With his recent victory, Ankalaev has put the entire lightweight division on notice. He has proven that he has what it takes to be a champion and has all the tools to become one of the greatest fighters in the sport. And with his well-rounded skill set and relentless work ethic, there is no doubt that he will continue to climb the ranks and achieve even greater success in the future.
Ankalaev’s journey to the top is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Dagestani fighters. They have proven time and again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the MMA world, and Ankalaev is the latest addition to this long list of champions. His success not only brings pride to his home country but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring fighters all over the world.
In conclusion, Magomed Ankalaev’s rise to the top of the lightweight division is a story of determination, perseverance, and skill. He has proven that he belongs among the elite fighters in the UFC and has all the makings of a future champion. With his impressive performances and the support of his fans and fellow Dagestani fighters, there is no doubt that Ankalaev will continue to make his mark in the MMA world and leave a lasting legacy for years to come.
