Magomed Alibulatovich Ankalaev Bio
Magomed Alibulatovich Ankalaev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist born on June 2, 1992, in Teletl’, Dagestan, Russia. He competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) as a light heavyweight and is the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Known for his disciplined striking style rooted in Greco-Roman wrestling and Combat Sambo, Ankalaev is recognized for his patient counter-striking and distance management. As of late 2025, he ranks #12 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings and #1 in the UFC light heavyweight division.
Early Life and Background
Magomed Ankalaev was born into an Avar family in the village of Teletl’, located in the Shamilsky District of Dagestan, Russia. He began training in Greco-Roman wrestling during his time as a student at the Dagestan State Pedagogical University (DSPU) in Makhachkala, where he graduated from the sport faculty. Alongside wrestling, he competed in combat sambo and earned the title of Master of Sport in the discipline.
His transition to mixed martial arts was influenced by the similarities between MMA and combat sambo. Ankalaev achieved success early on by becoming the Russian and World champion in amateur MMA. In 2015, he was named the Mixed Martial Artist of Russia by the Russian MMA federation.
Path to MMA
Starting his professional MMA career in 2014, Ankalaev quickly made a name for himself in regional promotions. He won the MMA Super Cup of Russia in 2015 and claimed the Light Heavyweight Grand Prix at Akhmat FC in 2016. After securing the World Fighting Championship Akhmat light heavyweight title, he signed with the UFC in October 2017, marking his entry into the premier global MMA organization.
Magomed Ankalaev Career
Early Career (2014–2017)
Ankalaev made his professional debut on January 18, 2014, at Oplot Challenge 96, winning by majority decision. He continued to build his record with notable victories, including winning the MMA Super Cup of Russia in 2015 and the Light Heavyweight Grand Prix at Akhmat FC in 2016. These successes established him as a rising prospect in the light heavyweight division.
His disciplined approach and strong grappling background helped him secure the World Fighting Championship Akhmat title before transitioning to the UFC, where he began competing against higher-caliber opponents.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2018–Present)
Magomed Ankalaev debuted in the UFC in March 2018 against Paul Craig, dominating much of the fight before suffering a last-second submission loss. He rebounded with a knockout victory over Marcin Prachnio, earning his first Performance of the Night bonus. Ankalaev continued to impress with wins over Klidson Abreu, Dalcha Lungiambula, and Ion Cuțelaba, the latter fight earning another Performance of the Night award despite controversy over the stoppage.
He faced Cuțelaba in a rematch at UFC 254, winning by first-round knockout and securing another Performance of the Night bonus. Subsequent victories over Nikita Krylov, Volkan Oezdemir, Thiago Santos, and Anthony Smith solidified his status as a top contender.
In December 2022, Ankalaev fought Jan Błachowicz for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, resulting in a controversial split draw. He later defeated Johnny Walker by knockout in a rematch in January 2024, earning another Performance of the Night award. In October 2024, he won a unanimous decision over Aleksandar Rakić.
On March 8, 2025, Ankalaev captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship by unanimous decision against Alex Pereira. However, he lost the title in a rematch in October 2025 by technical knockout in the first round.
Fight Club Akhmat Xtreme Couture Era (2014–Present)
Throughout his career, Ankalaev has been affiliated with Fight Club Akhmat Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts. This partnership has supported his development and success in the UFC light heavyweight division, providing him with a strong training environment and expert coaching.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Magomed Ankalaev is known for his disciplined striking style, which is grounded in his Greco-Roman wrestling and Combat Sambo background. Fighting primarily from a southpaw stance, he emphasizes patient counter-striking and distance management. Ankalaev favors clean, powerful straight punches and well-timed kicks, often controlling the pace and rhythm of his fights while avoiding unnecessary exchanges.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ankalaev’s career features several milestone moments, including winning the 2016 Akhmat FC Light Heavyweight Grand Prix and capturing the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in 2025. His fights against Jan Błachowicz and Alex Pereira stand out as defining bouts, showcasing his resilience and skill at the highest level.
Magomed Ankalaev Career Wins
Magomed Ankalaev has amassed a professional MMA record of 20 wins and 2 losses over 24 total fights. His victories include 10 wins by decision, 1 by knockout, 1 by submission, and 1 by disqualification.
UFC Highlights
In the UFC, Ankalaev has secured multiple notable wins, including knockout victories over Marcin Prachnio, Dalcha Lungiambula, Ion Cuțelaba, and Johnny Walker. His unanimous decision wins against top contenders like Nikita Krylov, Volkan Oezdemir, Thiago Santos, Aleksandar Rakić, and Alex Pereira highlight his consistency and technical prowess. His championship win in 2025 marks the pinnacle of his UFC career.
Other Wins and Performances
Prior to joining the UFC, Ankalaev won the MMA Super Cup of Russia and the Light Heavyweight Grand Prix at Akhmat FC. He also held the World Fighting Championship Akhmat light heavyweight title, demonstrating his dominance in regional competitions before stepping onto the global stage.
Magomed Ankalaev Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Magomed Ankalaev was born into an Avar family in Dagestan. He lost his father while in ninth or tenth grade and is the eldest sibling with three sisters and one brother.
Personal Life
Outside the octagon, Ankalaev is a devout Muslim and owns a coffee shop named “Ankl.” Details about his marital status or children are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Magomed Ankalaev captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Alex Pereira via unanimous decision. He remained active throughout the year, defending his title until October when he lost it by technical knockout. His performances demonstrated his elite striking and tactical approach, though the loss marked a significant moment in his career. Ankalaev continues to train with Fight Club Akhmat Xtreme Couture, aiming to regain his position at the top of the division.