The UFC doesn't seem to like pragmatic fighters who just win without challenging any powerhouses or insulting their opponents. The humble Magomed Ankalaev missed his chance for a title shot in December 2022 and now has to fight his way back to the top of the UFC. According to insider reports, the Dagestani will fight Brazilian Johnny Walker in October 2023.
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In this material of Telecomasia.net we will tell you where the fight between Ankalaev and Walker will take place, what you need to know about the Brazilian fighter and who is the favorite of the upcoming confrontation.
When will the Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker fight take place?
The fight between Magomed Ankalaev (number two in the light heavyweight rankings) and Johnny Walker (number six) is scheduled for UFC 294, which will take place on October 21st in Abu Dhabi. So far the promotion has not officially confirmed it, but earlier Magomed said on his social networks that he would fight at UFC 294. You will recall that in the main event of the tournament, Islam Makhachev will defend the lightweight belt in a fight with Charles Oliveira.
Who is Johnny Walker?
Johnny Walker is an imposing 31-year-old Brazilian light heavyweight (he is 198 cm tall). In August 2018, the Brazilian defeated his compatriot Henrique da Silva by decision on Dana White's Contender Series and received a contract with the UFC.
Walker loudly proclaimed that he was going after Jon Jones' title, and he put his money where his mouth is, finishing three fights in under two minutes. But the Brazilian couldn't keep up the pace, as four losses in five fights dropped the burly Johnny to the bottom of the rankings, and fans quickly forgot about him.
Walker's style is based on punching, he has a purple BJJ belt and good defensive grappling. Johnny hits very hard - 16 of his wins have been via knockout. However, the Brazilian himself does not take punches well - he has been sent face first to the canvas four times.
Johnny Walker's latest fights
After a spectacular knockout loss to Jamahal Hill, Walker changed his game and started winning. In September 2022 the Brazilian choked out Ion Cutelaba, in January 2023 he knocked out Paul Craig and in May he crushed Anthony Smith. The first round of the Walker vs Smith fight was exciting and entertaining, but the Brazilian simply did his job in the remaining rounds and won the fight by referee's decision. With his third win, Johnny climbed to sixth in the rankings and started talking about the title again.
Why is Magomed Ankalaev fighting Johnny Walker?
The Dagestani fighter is on a ten-fight unbeaten streak (nine wins and one draw), and that's a real achievement. In the history of the UFC's light heavyweight division, only the great and terrible Jon Jones had a longer undefeated streak.
In December 2022 at UFC 282, Ankalaev fought Poland's Jan Blachowicz for the vacant belt. The judges somehow counted it a draw and the champion was not announced. It was pure robbery, but Magomedov let it happen by his lackluster performance in the early rounds. Ankalaev definitely could have done better, as even veteran Blachowicz looked competitive compared to him.
After the fight, Magomed was so upset that he said he didn't want to fight in the UFC anymore, but then he made corrections.
After the fight with Jan, I said I don't want to fight in this city anymore because of the terrible judging. I didn't say I don't want to fight in the UFC anymore.
However, the UFC rarely forgets such things. There is an interesting saying: "Magomed Ankalaev exists as a fighter only in the week of his fight". The Dagestani just fights and wins, but that's not enough. Nobody needs a champion who doesn't speak English, doesn't dance or show off, but simply lives a righteous life and trains constantly. And indeed, Ankalaev vanished from the media spotlight for a long time after the last fight.
And even now, when Jamahal Hill left the title vacant due to injury, Blachowicz got Alex Pereira in a contender's fight and Mohammed got only the sixth-ranked Walker. If Ankalaev beats Johnny, does he get a title shot? No, because the line is already booked. Jiri Prochazka is ready to make a comeback. Jamahal Hill is another mandatory challenger. Alex Pereira beat Blachowicz and is also in the queue. And far, far over the horizon there is a looming shadow of Magomed Ankalaev with his tremendous undefeated streak.
Bet on MMA with 1xBetWho is the favorite in Ankalaev vs. Walker?
There is no doubt that Magomed will be a clear favorite with the bookmakers. Walker is far too inconsistent a fighter who doesn't have the potential of a champion, even though he's on a three-fight winning streak.
The Brazilian has a strong knockout punch, so don't count him out yet. A puncher always has a chance. If Walker lands his shot, Magomed is going to feel it.
But Ankalaev is unlikely to take any chances in a fight like this. The Dagestani is good on the ground, and no BJJ belt can help Walker. Magomed will probably win the fight by unanimous decision, and that would be an extremely poor result for a title race. Ankalaev needs to beat Johnny in the first round and then say in plain English something along the lines of: "All your champions are bullshit, the Dagestani wolf will eat them all and leave no crumbs". Then Dana White will immediately realize that Magomed is an attractive challenger and deserves a title shot.
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