Magomed Ankalaev’s rise to the top of the UFC light heavyweight division is a story of resilience, hard work, and unwavering determination. From a humble beginning in Dagestan to standing as the undisputed UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Ankalaev’s journey is filled with personal challenges, career setbacks, and ultimately, triumphs that define his legacy.

Early Life: Strength Born from Adversity

Born on June 2, 1992, in the village of Teletl, located in the Shamilsky District of Dagestan, Russia, Magomed Ankalaev grew up in a region renowned for producing elite combat sports athletes. However, his path to success was far from easy.

During his ninth or tenth grade, Ankalaev suffered the devastating loss of his father. This tragedy forced him to step up as the primary provider for his family. At a young age, he found himself shouldering immense responsibilities—an experience that would later shape his mental toughness and drive to succeed.

“That was the hardest time of my life,” Ankalaev recalled in an interview. “I needed my father the most, but I had to become the man of the house. I had to work harder to help my family.”

This responsibility became his motivation to strive for something greater. He saw combat sports as a way to build a future, not only for himself but also for his loved ones.

Introduction to Combat Sports

Growing up in Dagestan, where wrestling and combat sports are deeply ingrained in the culture, Ankalaev naturally gravitated toward martial arts. He initially pursued Greco-Roman wrestling while attending Dagestan State University, where he studied at the Faculty of Physical Culture and Sports.

After a year of wrestling, he transitioned to combat sambo, a hybrid martial art that blends judo, wrestling, and striking. This shift would prove to be a turning point in his career. Ankalaev quickly excelled, earning the prestigious title of Master of Sports in Combat Sambo.

It was during this time that he realized the similarities between combat sambo and mixed martial arts (MMA). The idea of competing in MMA intrigued him, and soon he decided to test his skills in the fast-growing sport.

In 2011–2012, he began training in MMA, and things started falling into place. The Russian MMA Federation was gaining traction, providing a structured platform for young fighters to showcase their talent. Ankalaev seized this opportunity, and his dedication paid off—he became both the Russian and World Champion in amateur MMA.

By 2015, his dominance in the amateur ranks led to him being named Russia’s Mixed Martial Artist of the Year, a testament to his growing reputation as a top-tier competitor.

Early Professional Career: Dominating the Russian Scene

Ankalaev made his professional MMA debut in January 2014 at Oplot Challenge, a promotion based in Ukraine. He won his first fight against Vasily Babich via majority decision, marking the beginning of an impressive career.

He soon transitioned to competing in World Fighting Championship Akhmat (WFCA), a premier Chechen MMA promotion. Between 2016 and 2017, Ankalaev dominated the light heavyweight division, securing five consecutive wins.

His biggest achievement in WFCA came when he defeated Maxim Grishin via technical knockout (TKO) to claim the WFCA Light Heavyweight Championship. He defended the belt successfully against Wagner Prado, solidifying his reputation as one of the best up-and-coming fighters in Russia.

UFC Debut: Overcoming a Devastating Setback

With an impressive record in regional promotions, Ankalaev caught the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and signed a contract in October 2017. He was set to make his debut in March 2018 at UFC Fight Night 127 in London against Paul Craig.

For almost the entire fight, Ankalaev dominated Craig with superior striking and grappling. However, in a shocking turn of events, Craig secured a triangle choke submission in the final second of the fight. Ankalaev tapped out at 4:59 of the third round—the latest submission loss in UFC history.

It was a heartbreaking defeat, but Ankalaev used it as fuel for improvement.

Building Momentum in the UFC

Determined to redeem himself, Ankalaev returned stronger than ever.

• September 2018: He scored a knockout victory over Marcin Prachnio at UFC Fight Night 136 in Moscow, earning a Performance of the Night bonus.
• February 2019: He secured a unanimous decision win against Klidson Abreu.
• February 2020: In a controversial fight against Ion Cuțelaba, the referee stopped the bout early, awarding Ankalaev a first-round TKO win.
• October 2020: To silence doubters, he knocked out Cuțelaba decisively in the rematch.

Over the next two years, Ankalaev continued his winning streak, defeating top contenders like Thiago Santos, Volkan Oezdemir, and Anthony Smith. His dominant performances earned him a shot at the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.

Chasing UFC Gold: The Title Fight Saga

At UFC 282 in December 2022, Ankalaev faced Jan Błachowicz for the vacant light heavyweight title. After five hard-fought rounds, the fight ended in a split draw, leaving the championship undecided.

Determined to claim the belt, Ankalaev bid his time until another opportunity arose.

UFC 313: Ankalaev vs. Pereira: The Defining Moment

On March 9, 2025, at UFC 313 in Las Vegas, Ankalaev was granted another shot at gold, this time against reigning champion Alex Pereira.

Pereira, a former middleweight champion with a 5-0 record at light heavyweight, was known for his striking prowess. He had defended his title three times, proving himself as a dominant force in the division.

Ankalaev, however, had a game plan—pressure, takedowns, and relentless grappling.

From the opening bell, Ankalaev closed the distance, preventing Pereira from utilizing his lethal striking. He secured multiple takedowns, keeping the fight on the ground where he could impose his will.

By the fourth round, Pereira was visibly exhausted, unable to find an answer to Ankalaev’s relentless pace.

The fifth round saw Pereira attempt a last-minute comeback, landing a powerful head kick, but Ankalaev weathered the storm. When the final bell rang, the decision was clear. Ankalaev had dominated the fight.

The judges scored it 49-46, 48-47, and 50-45—a unanimous decision victory. Magomed Ankalaev was crowned the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.

The Legacy of Magomed Ankalaev

Ankalaev’s journey from a young boy who lost his father to a world champion is nothing short of inspirational. His dedication to his family, his relentless work ethic, and his refusal to back down from challenges have defined his career.

Now, as the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, he stands at the top of one of the sport’s most competitive divisions.

What’s Next for the Champion?

With the belt around his waist, Ankalaev has a long line of challengers waiting.

• Jamahal Hill: The former champion looking to reclaim his throne.
• Jiri Prochazka: A dangerous striker with a wild, unpredictable style.
• A potential rematch with Pereira: If the former champion demands a second shot.

Regardless of what comes next, one thing is certain: Magomed Ankalaev’s reign has begun, and the light heavyweight division will never be the same.