Magomed Ankalaev: “I’m Glad We’re Having a Rematch. Hopefully, This Time He’ll Actually Fight Instead of Just Running.”

The UFC light heavyweight division has long been a battleground for elite fighters looking to etch their names in history. But when it comes to unfinished business, few rivalries feel as personal as Magomed Ankalaev’s upcoming rematch against his former opponent. The Russian powerhouse, known for his crushing power and relentless pressure, didn’t mince words when discussing the upcoming fight:

“I’m glad we’re having a rematch. Hopefully, this time he’ll actually fight instead of just running.”

This bold statement has set the stage for an explosive showdown, with fans and analysts eagerly anticipating whether Ankalaev can back up his words with action—or if his opponent has a strategy to silence him once again.

So, what led to this rematch? Why does Ankalaev feel so strongly about his opponent’s tactics? And most importantly, who has the upper hand going into this fight? Let’s break it all down.

The Controversial First Fight – A Clash of Styles or a Lack of Action?

To understand the intensity behind this rematch, we have to revisit the first fight. While many expected a battle between two of the best light heavyweights in the world, the fight left both the fighters and the audience frustrated and unsatisfied.

Ankalaev’s Aggression vs. His Opponent’s Evasion

Magomed Ankalaev is not a fighter who backs down. Known for his brutal striking, elite wrestling, and suffocating pressure, he thrives in making his opponents uncomfortable. However, in their first meeting, Ankalaev felt that his opponent was more focused on avoiding danger than actually engaging in the fight.

Minimal engagement: Ankalaev’s opponent utilized constant movement and evasive tactics to stay out of range.

Point fighting approach: Rather than trading strikes or wrestling exchanges, his opponent relied on outpointing Ankalaev on the scorecards rather than finishing the fight.

A frustrating result: The lack of action led to an anticlimactic ending, leaving Ankalaev—and many fans—frustrated.

A Rematch Born from Controversy

Following the lackluster first fight, neither fighter walked away with definitive bragging rights. Instead, controversy swirled around the matchup, leading to demands for a rematch.

Ankalaev immediately called for a second fight, insisting that the first encounter was “not a real fight.”

UFC President Dana White also expressed frustration, hinting that the fight didn’t live up to expectations.

Fans voiced their displeasure, with many believing Ankalaev deserved a more willing dance partner in the octagon.

Now, the stage is set for a rematch where Ankalaev is determined to prove a point.

Magomed Ankalaev’s Game Plan for the Rematch

With emotions running high, Ankalaev is not leaving this fight up to chance. The Russian powerhouse has made it clear that he will not allow his opponent to control the pace or avoid engagement this time around.

1. Cutting Off the Cage and Forcing Engagement

One of the main reasons Ankalaev struggled in the first fight was his opponent’s movement and ability to stay on the outside. This time, expect Ankalaev to implement a more aggressive cage-cutting strategy, preventing his opponent from constantly circling away.

Closing the distance quickly to cut off exits.

Feinting and forcing reactions to bait counters.

Using clinch work and dirty boxing to neutralize movement.

Ankalaev cannot afford to let his opponent dictate the fight again, and he knows it.

2. Relentless Pressure & Takedown Threats

While Ankalaev is a high-level striker, he also possesses an elite wrestling background. If his opponent refuses to engage on the feet, expect Ankalaev to change levels and drag the fight to the mat.

Wrestling as a weapon: If his opponent plays it safe on the feet, Ankalaev can force a ground battle where he has the advantage.

Relentless pace: Ankalaev has the cardio to keep up the pressure for five full rounds.

Ground-and-pound dominance: Few light heavyweights can handle Ankalaev’s power once he gets top control.

If his opponent doesn’t stand and trade, Ankalaev will make him pay with suffocating wrestling and ground dominance.

3. Mental Warfare – Ankalaev’s Mind Games Begin

Ankalaev’s bold statement—“Hopefully, this time he’ll actually fight instead of just running.”—was not just directed at fans. It was a direct challenge to his opponent.

Putting public pressure on his opponent to fight aggressively.

Forcing UFC officials to ensure an exciting matchup after the disappointing first fight.

Getting inside his opponent’s head, making him second-guess his approach.

This mental warfare could be a key factor in dictating the pace of the rematch.

Opponent’s Response – Will He Change His Strategy?

While Ankalaev has been vocal about his frustrations, his opponent has remained relatively quiet. However, there are three possible approaches he could take in the rematch:

Stick to the same strategy – If he believes that staying on the outside is his best path to victory, he may try to frustrate Ankalaev again with constant movement.

Surprise Ankalaev with aggression – Knowing that Ankalaev is expecting another slow fight, he could instead come out swinging.

Mix in more takedowns – If he fears Ankalaev’s power, he might look to take the fight to the ground first.

Regardless of his approach, all eyes will be on how he responds to Ankalaev’s challenge.

Fan Reactions – A Fight That’s Divided the MMA World

As soon as Magomed Ankalaev’s statement hit social media, fans had plenty to say.

Support for Ankalaev’s Criticism

Many fans agreed with Ankalaev, believing that the first fight was a letdown and hoping the rematch brings fireworks.

@MMAWarrior: “Ankalaev is right. That first fight was painful to watch. Hopefully, we get some action this time.”

@UFCInsider: “Running doesn’t win fights. If you’re in the octagon, FIGHT. Let’s see what happens when there’s nowhere to hide.”

Defending Ankalaev’s Opponent

Others defended Ankalaev’s opponent, arguing that strategy is part of the sport.

@MMAFan89: “Ankalaev is just mad he couldn’t catch him. That’s part of the game. Adapt or lose.”

@FightIQ: “Why should he stand and bang when he can win on points? Smart fighters play to their strengths.”

Excitement for the Rematch

Regardless of which side they’re on, fans are hyped for the rematch.

@KnockoutKing: “This is gonna be a WAR. Ankalaev looks MAD.”

@MMAAddict: “Let’s hope this time we actually get a fight worth watching.”

Final Thoughts – Will Ankalaev Get the Fight He Wants?

Magomed Ankalaev has laid down the challenge, calling out his opponent for avoiding real combat in their first fight. But will the rematch live up to the hype?

With tensions high and both fighters having a point to prove, fans are expecting an explosive showdown—one that will finally settle the score.

The only question that remains:

Will Ankalaev finally get his brawl, or will his opponent frustrate him once again?