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“I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE THINK MY FIGHTS ARE BORING.”

UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Magomed Ankalaev Is Confused—Is He a Tactical Genius or Just Too Safe?

For years, Magomed Ankalaev has been a force in the UFC light heavyweight division, carving a path of dominance that has led him to the top. With an ironclad defense, precise striking, and an ability to shut down even the most dangerous opponents, Ankalaev has cemented himself as one of the most difficult puzzles to solve inside the octagon.

But despite his impressive record and undeniable skills, the Dagestani fighter continues to face one relentless criticism:

image_67dd1c197cd7c UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Magomed Ankalaev Is Confused—Is He Misunderstood or Truly Underrated?

“He’s boring.”

This perception baffles Ankalaev himself, who recently expressed his confusion.

“I don’t understand why people think my fights are boring,” he said. “I win. I dominate. Isn’t that what fighting is about?”

But is Ankalaev truly underrated—a misunderstood technician overshadowed by flashier fighters? Or is he genuinely too calculated, too risk-averse, to capture the excitement of casual MMA fans?

Let’s break down the perception vs. reality of Ankalaev’s fighting style, his journey to the top, and whether he has what it takes to win over the fans in his reign as UFC light heavyweight champion.

The Rise of Magomed Ankalaev: A Master of Control

The Silent Assassin from Dagestan

Hailing from Dagestan, a region known for producing elite grapplers and relentless warriors, Ankalaev built his foundation in combat sambo, the same discipline that created UFC legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev.

However, unlike Khabib, whose relentless wrestling suffocated opponents, Ankalaev chooses a different path.

He isn’t just a grappler—he’s a master of tactical striking. His approach is based on:

Perfect distance management.
Calculated counter-striking that punishes reckless opponents.
An almost impenetrable defensive shell.
Methodical pressure that forces opponents into uncomfortable positions.

Instead of chasing wild knockouts, he dismantles his opponents, breaking them down step by step.

It’s a style that has made him incredibly effective, but also one that some fans find frustrating to watch.

A Record of Relentless Dominance

Ankalaev’s UFC resume is packed with impressive wins over elite competition.

14-fight unbeaten streak in the UFC.
Victories over former champions and top contenders.
Minimal damage taken, proving his ability to neutralize even the most dangerous strikers.

But despite these accomplishments, the criticism remains.

Is he a dominant champion? Absolutely.
Is he an entertaining one? That’s where the debate begins.

The “Boring” Label: Is It Fair or Flawed?

Why Do Some Fans Find Him Unexciting?

In an era where fans love flashy knockouts, wild brawls, and high-action wars, Ankalaev’s methodical, risk-averse style doesn’t always deliver the chaos that excites the crowd.

He doesn’t take unnecessary risks.
He doesn’t engage in reckless slugfests.
He prioritizes control over explosiveness.

This often results in long, drawn-out fights that lack dramatic moments—at least to casual fans.

Take his fight against Jan Błachowicz for the vacant title. The stakes were high, and many expected fireworks. Instead, it was a tense, tactical battle that ended in a controversial draw. While Ankalaev believed he did enough to win, fans left feeling unsatisfied.

But here’s the question: Should effectiveness outweigh entertainment?

The Case for Ankalaev’s Style

Those who appreciate the technical side of MMA argue that Ankalaev’s style isn’t boring—it’s genius.

He rarely gets hit, displaying elite defensive skills.
He dictates the pace, forcing opponents to fight on his terms.
He exposes weaknesses, methodically picking his opponents apart.

To hardcore analysts, Ankalaev’s fights are a masterclass in control and discipline.

But in the eyes of casual fans, he lacks the show-stopping moments that make fighters legendary.

So the real question is: Can Ankalaev change this perception?

The Future of Magomed Ankalaev: Will He Win Over the Fans?

His Next Fight Could Define His Legacy

Now that Ankalaev holds the UFC light heavyweight title, he has an opportunity to reshape his image.

His next fight will be crucial.

Some of the possible challengers include:

Jiri Procházka – The wild, unpredictable knockout artist who guarantees chaos.
Alex Pereira – A former kickboxing champion with devastating power and highlight-reel finishes.
Jamahal Hill – A high-pressure fighter who won’t let Ankalaev control the pace easily.

Against any of these opponents, Ankalaev will be forced to engage in a more exciting battle.

If he dominates in spectacular fashion, fans may finally start to respect and appreciate his style.

But if he grinds out another slow, methodical decision, the “boring” label could stick for good.

Does He Need to Embrace the Villain Role?

There’s another option for Ankalaev—lean into the criticism and become the UFC’s next great villain.

Many of the biggest stars in UFC history were hated before they were loved:

Floyd Mayweather built an empire by making people pay to see him lose—only for him to keep winning.
Kamaru Usman was called boring early in his career but later became one of the most dominant welterweights ever.
Jon Jones was once despised but later recognized as the GOAT.

Could Ankalaev do the same?

If he stops trying to please fans and fully embraces his cold, calculating nature, he might force them to respect him through dominance alone.