UFC Vegas 84: UFC Apex; Las Vegas, Nevada
The dangerous 31-year old Russian Magomed Ankalaev made it look simple against the SBG IRELAND fighter Johnny Walker this time. When they met just three-months ago the Russian’s illegal knee ended the fight as a no-contest. This time he he used an exclamation point in the light heavyweight rivarly settling it.
With Walker opening up the contest quickly mixing up his attack it took a few minutes for the being unrespected Ankalaev to start chipping away. Walker was his usual self doing a lot of spin moves, which is one of the most dangerous things you can do as it leaves you open for counter attacks. Things almost went off the rails when Ankalaev landed a kick to Walker’s groin getting a hard warning from referee MARK GODDARD.
Opening the second-round the duo traded hard kicks with each other. And Walker’s left calf started to show signs of wear as Ankalaev was checking the majority of the low kicks coming back at him. He was also pumping out a decent jab to keep Walker honest. With Ankalaev folling Walker around the octagon instead of cutting it off, the pair came in close to engage.
Walker through a right hook that missed as Ankalaev landed his own vicious right hook sending Walker to the mat, along the fence. The burly Russian then came in landing a short right upper cut, breaking Walker’s nose. Goddard jumped in to wave the fight off right there at the 2:42 mark.
This Light Heavyweight Rivalry Settled, Now To Finish The Other
Yes this win was important for Ankalaev, and yes it’s understandable for him to call for a title shot versus Alex Pereira. However, it might make more sense to complete his other non-green mark on his record. The draw versus Jan Blachowicz.
Especially since it’s not like the number three-ranked light heavyweight is going to make another jump up in the rankings. This win will keep him right there. Now by the time 2024 closes out, he might conceivably get that opportunity for gold.
Ankalaev is solid on the ground, has pop in his hands as the 11 KO’s shows, he has the 4th best takedown defense in division history. The only glaring thing he has to still work on; granted it’s nit picking, is his foot work. He’s a prodder, always flat footed.
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