LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Magomed Ankalaev feels he is the rightful No. 1 contender for the title.
Ankalaev closed the book on his rivalry with Johnny Walker last night at UFC Vegas 84 (Sat., Jan. 13, 2024) when he knocked out the Brazilian in the second round with a right hand, followed by an uppercut from inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas (watch highlights). Ankalaev received a Performance of the Night bonus for his knockout.
Ankalaev is in an odd spot because while he should get the next Light Heavyweight title shot against Alex Pereira, another fighter is returning to an automatic title shot: former Light Heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill.
However, the Russian believes he should get Pereira next because he is more deserving.
“I think here the math works out to the way that I’m more deserving of the belt because I have ten victories, six of them are knockouts,” Ankalaev told the media during the UFC Vegas 84 post-fight press conference (watch here). Jamahal Hill has eight fights total in the UFC. So, it is just clear that I’m a more deserving contender than Jamahal Hill.”
While UFC CEO Dana White promised Hill a title shot upon his return, there has not been a real update on his Achilles injury other than “He is coming along well.” So, his return is still up in the air, which might help Ankalaev.
Anakalaev is riding a 10-fight win streak with a no-contest and draw thrown in.
For complete UFC Vegas 84 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.