Magomed Ankalaev: UFC Record, Fight History & Bio

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Fighter metrics

Striking accuracy

53%

537 landed · 1,005 attempted

Takedown accuracy

31%

Recent fight form

Latest 5 verified results in our archive · 2024-01-13 to 2026-07-25

Wins

4 / 5

Losses

1 / 5

Historical results, not a prediction. See opponents and methods in fight history below.

Fight history

Bogdan Guskov
Jul 25, 2026
Win
KO/TKO · Round 5 · 2:41
Alex Pereira
Oct 4, 2025
Loss
KO/TKO · Round 1 · 1:20
Alex Pereira
Mar 8, 2025
Win
Decision - Unanimous · Round 5 · 5:00
Aleksandar Rakic
Oct 26, 2024
Win
Decision - Unanimous · Round 3 · 5:00
Johnny Walker
Jan 13, 2024
Win
KO/TKO · Round 2 · 2:42
Jan Blachowicz
Dec 10, 2022
Draw
Decision - Split · Round 5 · 5:00
Anthony Smith
Jul 30, 2022
Win
KO/TKO · Round 2 · 3:09
Thiago Santos
Mar 12, 2022
Win
Decision - Unanimous · Round 5 · 5:00
Volkan Oezdemir
Oct 30, 2021
Win
Decision - Unanimous · Round 3 · 5:00
Nikita Krylov
Feb 27, 2021
Win
Decision - Unanimous · Round 3 · 5:00
Ion Cutelaba
Oct 24, 2020
Win
KO/TKO · Round 1 · 4:20
Ion Cutelaba
Feb 29, 2020
Win
KO/TKO · Round 1 · 0:38
Dalcha Lungiambula
Nov 9, 2019
Win
KO/TKO · Round 3 · 0:29
Klidson Abreu
Feb 23, 2019
Win
UD · Round 3 · 5:00
Marcin Prachnio
Sep 15, 2018
Win
KO/TKO · Round 1 · 3:10
Paul Craig
Mar 17, 2018
Loss
Submission · Round 3 · 4:59

Magomed Ankalaev Bio

Magomed Ankalaev is a Russian mixed martial artist competing in the UFC light heavyweight division. Born June 2, 1992, he is listed at 6 feet 3 inches and competes at the 205-pound light heavyweight limit. The UFC lists him as active and training at Atletica Sports. Ankalaev turned professional in 2014 and made his Octagon debut on March 17, 2018, when he faced Paul Craig.

Ankalaev’s background includes amateur MMA and Combat Sambo honors, as well as a Dagestan Greco-Roman wrestling title, according to his UFC profile. He became UFC light heavyweight champion by defeating Alex Pereira at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025, then lost the title to Pereira in their rematch at UFC 320 on October 4, 2025. As of September 21, 2026, the UFC lists Ankalaev as the No. 1 light heavyweight contender. His approach is generally built around composed southpaw striking, forceful punches and kicks, while his wrestling and clinch work give him additional ways to control a fight.

Record: 22-2-1
Division: Light Heavyweight
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 205 lbs.
Reach: 75"
Leg reach: 46.00
Gym / team: Gorets
Nationality: Dagestan, Russia
Residence: Makhachkala, Dagestan
Birth date: Jun 2, 1992 (age 34)
Age: 34
Country: Russia

Magomed Ankalaev Questions & Answers

What UFC division does Magomed Ankalaev compete in?

Magomed Ankalaev competes in the UFC light heavyweight division.

How tall is Magomed Ankalaev?

He is listed at 6 feet 3 inches tall.

When was Magomed Ankalaev born?

He was born on June 2, 1992.

When did Ankalaev make his UFC debut?

He made his UFC debut on March 17, 2018, against Paul Craig.

Has Magomed Ankalaev won a UFC title?

Yes. He won the UFC light heavyweight championship by defeating Alex Pereira at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025. He is a former champion after losing the belt to Pereira in their October 4, 2025 rematch.

Where does Ankalaev train?

The UFC athlete profile lists Atletica Sports as his training gym.

What is Magomed Ankalaev’s fighting style?

He is known for a patient, technically sound striking game built around boxing combinations and damaging kicks, with wrestling, clinch control and grappling available as complementary tools.