By InfoBliq 
Magomed Ankalaev stands as one of the most dominant forces in mixed martial arts today, currently holding the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship after his stunning victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 313. This Russian professional mixed martial artist from Dagestan has compiled an impressive MMA career record of 21-1-1 (1 NC), establishing himself as one of the premier fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As ranked #7 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings, Ankalaev’s stats and UFC record reflect years of dedication to combat sambo and Greco-Roman wrestling, culminating in championship success at the highest levels of mixed martial arts.
Magomed Ankalaev’s Overall MMA Record (2025 Updated)
Magomed Ankalaev has built an extraordinary professional MMA career with a record of 21-1-1 (1 NC), demonstrating remarkable consistency and finishing ability throughout his journey from regional Russian promotions to UFC championship gold. His overall statistics showcase a well-rounded fighter capable of winning by multiple methods while maintaining exceptional defensive metrics.
Complete MMA Statistics Breakdown
| Record Category | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Total Professional Fights | 23 | 100% |
| Wins | 21 | 91.3% |
| Losses | 1 | 4.3% |
| Draws | 1 | 4.3% |
| No Contests | 1 | – |
| Finish Rate | 17/21 | 81% |
Methods of Victory Analysis
| Victory Method | Count | Percentage of Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Knockout/TKO | 11 | 52.4% |
| Submission | 6 | 28.6% |
| Decision | 4 | 19.0% |
Ankalaev’s 81% finish rate demonstrates his ability to end fights decisively, with knockouts being his preferred method of victory. This finishing ability has been crucial to his success in the UFC, where Performance of the Night bonuses reward spectacular finishes.
His diverse finishing methods reflect his well-rounded skill set, combining devastating knockout power with technical submission skills developed through his combat sambo background. The relatively low number of decision victories shows his aggressive approach and ability to impose his will on opponents.
UFC Record Breakdown
Since making his promotional debut against Paul Craig in March 2018, Magomed Ankalaev has compiled a UFC record of 13-1-1 (1 NC), establishing himself as the premier fighter in the light heavyweight division. His UFC journey represents one of the most impressive championship runs in recent Ultimate Fighting Championship history.
UFC Career Timeline & Progression
Early UFC Career (2018-2020): Ankalaev’s UFC debut against Paul Craig ended controversially with a triangle choke submission loss that was later changed to a no-contest after an illegal knee. This setback motivated his subsequent dominant run through the division.
Contender Phase (2020-2024): Following his debut, Ankalaev embarked on an impressive winning streak that included victories over top-ranked opponents and established him as the #1 contender in the light heavyweight division.
Championship Era (2025-Present): His victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025, crowned him UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, with his first title defense scheduled for UFC 320 against Alex Pereira in a rematch at Las Vegas.
UFC Statistics & Performance Metrics
| UFC Stat Category | Numbers | UFC Average |
|---|---|---|
| Significant Strikes Landed per Minute | 4.2 | 4.0 |
| Significant Strike Accuracy | 52% | 46% |
| Significant Strikes Absorbed per Minute | 2.8 | 4.2 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 64% | 46% |
| Takedown Defense | 92% | 81% |
| Submission Average | 0.8 | 0.7 |
These UFC fighters’ statistics demonstrate Ankalaev’s superiority in key performance areas, particularly his exceptional takedown defense rate of 92% and low absorption rate of significant strikes. His ability to avoid damage while inflicting it efficiently has been crucial to his championship success.
Magomed Ankalaev’s Only Loss
The most significant blemish on Ankalaev’s record came in his promotional debut against Paul Craig at UFC Fight Night 127 on March 17, 2018, in London, England. This bout initially ended with Craig securing a triangle choke victory in the final seconds of the third round, but the result was later changed to a no-contest due to an illegal knee delivered by Ankalaev.
The Paul Craig Fight Breakdown
Fight Details:
- Date: March 17, 2018
- Event: UFC Fight Night 127
- Location: London, England
- Original Result: Paul Craig wins by triangle choke (Round 3, 4:59)
- Final Result: No-contest due to illegal knee
What Happened: Ankalaev was dominating the fight through the first two rounds, showcasing superior striking and grappling. However, in the final minute of the third round, Craig managed to secure a triangle choke. The controversy arose when Ankalaev threw an illegal knee while defending the submission, which the referee initially missed but was later reviewed.
Impact on Career: This debut setback proved to be a learning experience that motivated Ankalaev’s subsequent dominance. The controversial nature of the result and his overall performance demonstrated that he belonged at the highest level of the UFC, leading to his impressive streak through the light heavyweight division.
The fight highlighted both Ankalaev’s dominance and his occasional lapses in judgment under pressure, lessons he would apply throughout his championship run.
Career Highlights & Biggest Fights
Magomed Ankalaev’s UFC career has been defined by several marquee bouts that established his championship credentials and showcased his evolution as a complete mixed martial artist.
Magomed Ankalaev vs Alex Pereira (UFC 313 & UFC 320)
UFC 313 – Championship Victory: On March 8, 2025, at UFC 313, Ankalaev achieved the pinnacle of his career by defeating Alex Pereira to win the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. This bout showcased his ability to implement a perfect game plan against one of the most feared strikers in mixed martial arts.
The victory over Alex Pereira demonstrated Ankalaev’s tactical evolution and championship-level preparation. His ability to neutralize Pereira’s dangerous striking while imposing his wrestling and pressure fighting proved decisive in capturing his first UFC title.
UFC 320 – Title Defense Rematch: Scheduled for October 4, 2025, at UFC 320 in Las Vegas, Ankalaev will make his first title defense in a highly anticipated rematch with Alex Pereira. This bout will determine whether his championship victory was a fluke or the beginning of a dominant title reign.
Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker Fights
Ankalaev has faced Johnny Walker twice in his UFC career, with both bouts highlighting different aspects of his fighting evolution.
First Encounter (UFC 294): Their initial meeting at UFC 294 ended in a no-contest after Ankalaev delivered an illegal knee that left Walker unable to continue. The referee and cage-side doctor controversially stopped the fight, leading to immediate calls for a rematch.
Rematch Victory (UFC Fight Night 234): The pair quickly rematched at UFC Fight Night 234 on January 13, 2024, where Ankalaev secured redemption with a spectacular second round knockout. He dropped Walker with a perfectly timed right hand, earning him a Performance of the Night bonus and demonstrating his improved patience and timing.
Jan Błachowicz Title Fight (UFC 282)
One of the most controversial moments in Ankalaev’s career came at UFC 282 when he fought Jan Błachowicz for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. The bout ended in a majority draw, with many observers believing Ankalaev had done enough to win the title.
This fight demonstrated Ankalaev’s championship-level skills while highlighting the subjective nature of MMA judging. Despite the disappointing result, his performance established him as the clear #1 contender and set up his eventual successful title shot against Alex Pereira.
Notable UFC Victories
Aleksandar Rakić (UFC 308): His unanimous decision victory over Aleksandar Rakić on October 26, 2024, served as his final title eliminator. The dominant performance showcased his complete skill set and earned him the opportunity to challenge for championship gold.
Anthony Smith (UFC 277): The victory over former title challenger Anthony Smith demonstrated Ankalaev’s ability to defeat elite-level competition consistently, moving him into clear title contention within the light heavyweight division.
Fight History Table
Complete UFC Fight Record
| Date | Event | Opponent | Result | Method | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 8, 2025 | UFC 313: Pereira vs. Ankalaev | Alex Pereira | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 |
| Oct 26, 2024 | UFC 308 | Aleksandar Rakić | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Jan 13, 2024 | UFC Fight Night 234 | Johnny Walker | Win | KO (Punches) | 2 | 2:42 |
| Oct 21, 2023 | UFC 294 | Johnny Walker | No Contest | Illegal Knee | 1 | 3:13 |
| Dec 10, 2022 | UFC 282 | Jan Błachowicz | Draw | Majority Draw | 5 | 5:00 |
| Jul 30, 2022 | UFC 277 | Anthony Smith | Win | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 3:09 |
| Feb 26, 2022 | UFC Fight Night 200 | Thiago Santos | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 |
| Oct 30, 2021 | UFC 267 | Volkan Oezdemir | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Feb 20, 2021 | UFC Fight Night 186 | Nikita Krylov | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Feb 29, 2020 | UFC Fight Night 169 | Ion Cuţelaba | No Contest | — | 1 | 1:35 |
| Oct 30, 2019 | UFC Fight Night 158 | Dalcha Lungiambula | Win | KO (Front Kick & Punch) | 3 | 0:29 |
| Feb 23, 2019 | UFC Fight Night: Benavidez vs. Figueiredo | Ion Cuţelaba | Win | KO (Punches) | 1 | 0:38 |
| Mar 17, 2018 | UFC Fight Night 127 | Paul Craig | Loss (Result overturned to NC) | Submission / NC | 3 | 4:59 |
Pre-UFC Career Highlights
Before joining the UFC, Ankalaev competed for World Fighting Championship Akhmat, where he captured the light heavyweight championship and demonstrated the skills that would eventually make him a UFC champion.
His amateur MMA background included training in combat sambo and Greco-Roman wrestling, earning master of sports status in both disciplines before transitioning to professional mixed martial arts.
Career Statistics & Style Analysis
Ankalaev’s fighting style represents a perfect blend of Dagestani wrestling traditions with modern mixed martial arts techniques. His combat sambo background provides the technical foundation for his grappling game, while years of MMA training have developed his striking into a championship-level weapon.
Striking Analysis
Stand-up Statistics:
- Significant Strikes Landed per Minute: 4.2 (above UFC average)
- Striking Accuracy: 52% (well above average)
- Strike Defense: 67% (excellent defensive metrics)
- Knockdowns: 8 in UFC career
His striking game emphasizes precision over volume, with excellent accuracy rates that demonstrate his ability to land meaningful shots while avoiding unnecessary exchanges. The high knockout rate reflects his power and timing rather than wild aggression.
Grappling Dominance
Wrestling & Submission Statistics:
- Takedown Accuracy: 64% (significantly above average)
- Takedown Defense: 92% (elite-level defensive wrestling)
- Submission Average: 0.8 per fight
- Ground Control Time: Superior positioning maintenance
His takedown defense rate of 92% is among the best in the UFC, demonstrating the effectiveness of his Greco-Roman wrestling background in mixed martial arts competition. The ability to dictate where fights take place has been crucial to his championship success.
Physical & Mental Attributes
Conditioning & Durability:
- Average Fight Time: 12 minutes, 35 seconds
- Championship Rounds Fought: 10 (5 vs Błachowicz, 5 vs Pereira x2)
- Damage Absorption: Minimal throughout career
- Recovery Between Fights: Excellent activity level
His exceptional conditioning allows him to maintain high output throughout championship-level fights, as demonstrated in his five-round performances against elite competition.
Legacy & Current Ranking (2025)
As the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Magomed Ankalaev sits atop his division and holds the #7 position in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings. His championship reign represents the culmination of years of development and positions him among the elite fighters in mixed martial arts.
Current UFC Light Heavyweight Rankings Position
Champion: Magomed Ankalaev
Ranking: #1 Light Heavyweight, #7 Pound-for-Pound
His championship status places him at the pinnacle of the 205-pound division, with successful title defenses potentially elevating his pound-for-pound ranking further. The depth of the light heavyweight division ensures continued high-level competition throughout his reign.
Place Among Dagestani Fighters
Ankalaev joins an elite group of Dagestani champions including Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, representing the continued success of fighters from this region in the UFC. His championship adds to the legacy of Dagestani excellence in mixed martial arts.
The combination of traditional wrestling and sambo with modern MMA techniques has proven successful for multiple Dagestani fighters, with Ankalaev representing the latest example of this winning formula.
Future Championship Prospects
At 33 years old, Ankalaev is in his prime years as a mixed martial artist. His technical fighting style and excellent conditioning suggest he could maintain championship-level performance for several more years, potentially establishing a lengthy title reign.
The competitive nature of the light heavyweight division ensures continuous challenges for his championship, with multiple contenders eager for their opportunity to dethrone the champion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Magomed Ankalaev’s MMA record in 2025?
Magomed Ankalaev’s professional MMA record in 2025 is 21-1-1 (1 NC). This includes his UFC championship victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 313 and his successful first title defense at UFC 320.
2. How many UFC fights has he won?
Ankalaev has won 13 official UFC fights with 1 draw and 1 no-contest. His UFC record stands at 13-1-1 (1 NC), making him one of the most successful active fighters in the light heavyweight division.
3. Who did Magomed Ankalaev lose to?
Technically, Ankalaev has never officially lost a UFC fight. His only defeat came against Paul Craig in his UFC debut, but this result was changed to a no-contest due to an illegal knee. His overall professional record shows only one loss from his pre-UFC career.
4. Did Magomed Ankalaev fight Alex Pereira?
Yes, Magomed Ankalaev has fought Alex Pereira twice. He defeated Pereira at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025, to win the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, and successfully defended his title in their rematch at UFC 320 on October 4, 2025.
5. What is Ankalaev’s fighting style?
Ankalaev’s fighting style combines traditional Dagestani wrestling and combat sambo with modern mixed martial arts striking. He emphasizes pressure fighting, superior conditioning, technical grappling, and precise striking with excellent takedown defense.
6. Where does Ankalaev rank in UFC light heavyweight division?
Magomed Ankalaev is the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, ranking #1 in the division and #7 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings as of 2025.
7. Is Ankalaev a striker or grappler?
Ankalaev is a well-rounded mixed martial artist who excels in both striking and grappling. While his background is in combat sambo and Greco-Roman wrestling, he has developed into a complete fighter with 52% of his wins coming by KO/TKO and 29% by submission.
8. How many Performance of the Night bonuses has Ankalaev earned?
Ankalaev has earned multiple Performance of the Night bonuses throughout his UFC career, including his knockout victory over Johnny Walker in their rematch, demonstrating his ability to deliver spectacular finishes.
9. What happened in the Paul Craig fight?
Ankalaev’s UFC debut against Paul Craig ended controversially when Craig secured a triangle choke in the final seconds, but Ankalaev threw an illegal knee during the submission attempt. The result was changed from a loss to a no-contest.
10. How long has Ankalaev been UFC champion?
Ankalaev became UFC Light Heavyweight Champion on March 8, 2025, when he defeated Alex Pereira at UFC 313. He has successfully defended his title once against Pereira in their rematch at UFC 320.
11. What is Ankalaev’s takedown defense percentage?
Ankalaev has an exceptional 92% takedown defense rate in the UFC, which is significantly above the division average and demonstrates the effectiveness of his Greco-Roman wrestling background in mixed martial arts.
12. Has Ankalaev ever been finished in the UFC?
No, Ankalaev has never been finished in an official UFC bout. His only stoppage loss was against Paul Craig, but that result was changed to a no-contest due to the illegal knee, meaning he remains unfinished in official UFC competition.