Magomed Ankalaev

Name: Magomed Ankalaev
Nickname:
Professional Record: 8-0
Weightclass: Light Heavyweight
Age: 23
Height:
Nationality: Russian
Gym Affiliation:
Accolades:
Rank: 3
Upcoming Fight:
Overall Rating: ★★★★★

Striking Skill

Overall Technique ★
Boxing
Kick Technique
Power
Striking Defense
Footwork/Movement

Grappling Skill

Submissions★
Submission Defense
Guard ★
Positioning
Takedowns
Takedown Defense
Clinch

Ankalaev is another top level Russian light heavyweight prospect.  He is still a young fighter, but already has a case to be considered for a UFC call up. Ankalaev is a very well rounded mixed martial artist.  In his fights he has shown solid striking ability.  He sits down well on his punches.  He fights as a southpaw, and is a real threat on his feet.  I also noticed that he has good accuracy on his punches.  He is not necessarily a high volume striker, but he puts his strikes where he wants them.  He is able to pick opponents apart and do damage over time.  His has shown both good offensive and defensive wrestling.  His ground positioning is also very good.  I would like to see him tested off of his back and see how he could do.  I have some concerns that bigger light heavyweights with good wrestling could control him.   I have noticed that he does not appear to be a huge light heavyweight, so perhaps a drop in weight is not out of the question in the future.  With all of that in mind, I think Ankalaev’s potential may be the highest on this list.  His recent win over Maxim Grishin is a big time win over a UFC caliber fighter.  UFC would be smart to make a play on Ankalaev