Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Magomed Ankalaev

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 7, 2025

Discover the career path of Magomed Ankalaev, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Magomed Ankalaev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Light Heavyweight division of the UFC. As of October 2024, he is ranked #1 in the UFC light heavyweight division, highlighting his prominence in the sport.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

December 2013: Won Gold Medal at WMMAA's World Cup

In December 2013, Magomed Ankalaev won the gold medal at the WMMAA's World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, defeating Rustam Malaev in the finals.

January 2014: Professional MMA Debut

On January 18, 2014, Magomed Ankalaev made his professional MMA debut at Oplot Challenge 96, defeating Vasily Babich by majority decision.

June 2014: Qualified for WMMAA Championship by winning Russian MMA Championship

In June 2014, at the Russian MMA Championship, Magomed Ankalaev beat Valentin Moldavsky and Vadim Nemkov, qualifying for the WMMAA Championship in Minsk, Belarus.

March 2015: Won MMA Cup of Dagestan and Russian Cup

In March 2015, Magomed Ankalaev won the finals of the MMA Cup of Dagestan by defeating Muslim Magomedov, and shortly after, he won the Russian Cup, again beating Muslim Magomedov in the final.

November 2015: Won Gold Medal in WMMAA World Championship

In November 2015, Magomed Ankalaev won the gold medal in the WMMAA World Championship held in Prague, Czech Republic, adding another accolade to his MMA career.

December 2015: Wins MMA Super Cup of Russia

In December 2015, Magomed Ankalaev won the MMA Super Cup of Russia, defeating Nadyr Bulkadarov in a pro exhibition fight.

2015: Named 2015 Mixed Martial Artist of Russia

In 2015, Magomed Ankalaev was named the Mixed Martial Artist of Russia by the Russian MMA federation, recognizing his achievements in the sport.

May 2016: Won Russian MMA Championship

In May 2016, Magomed Ankalaev won the Russian MMA Championship, defeating Magomed Shakhrudinov in the tournament finals.

2016: Won Akhmat FC Light Heavyweight Grand Prix

In 2016, Magomed Ankalaev won the Akhmat FC Light Heavyweight Grand Prix, adding a significant achievement to his MMA record.

October 2017: Signed with UFC

In October 2017, after winning the World Fighting Championship Akhmat's world title, Magomed Ankalaev signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

March 2018: UFC Promotional Debut, First Professional Loss

In March 2018, Magomed Ankalaev made his promotional debut against Paul Craig at UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Volkov, losing via triangle choke in the last five seconds of round three, marking his first professional loss.

September 15, 2018: First UFC Win and Performance of the Night Award

On September 15, 2018, Magomed Ankalaev secured his first UFC win against Marcin Prachnio at UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Oleinik via knockout, earning him the Performance of the Night award.

February 23, 2019: UFC Fight Night Victory Over Klidson Abreu

On February 23, 2019, Magomed Ankalaev faced Klidson Abreu at UFC Fight Night 145 after Darko Stošić pulled out, and Ankalaev won the fight by unanimous decision.

November 9, 2019: Knockout Victory and Performance of the Night

On November 9, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 163, Magomed Ankalaev defeated Dalcha Lungiambula via knockout in the third round, earning him the Performance of the Night award.

February 29, 2020: Controversial TKO Victory over Ion Cuțelaba

On February 29, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 169, Magomed Ankalaev won against Ion Cuțelaba via a controversial technical knockout in the first round, leading to criticism and review by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupation Regulation (DPOR).

August 15, 2020: Cuțelaba rematch at UFC 252 cancelled due to COVID-19

On August 15, 2020, a rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Ion Cuțelaba was scheduled to take place at UFC 252, but it was cancelled after Cuțelaba tested positive for COVID-19.

February 27, 2021: Unanimous Decision Victory Over Nikita Krylov

On February 27, 2021, Magomed Ankalaev defeated Nikita Krylov via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 186, marking another win in his UFC career.

September 4, 2021: Scheduled Fight Against Oezdemir

On September 4, 2021, Magomed Ankalaev was initially scheduled to face Volkan Oezdemir at UFC Fight Night 191, though the fight was later moved.

October 30, 2021: Victory Over Volkan Oezdemir at UFC 267

On October 30, 2021, Magomed Ankalaev faced Volkan Oezdemir at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi and won the bout via unanimous decision, adding another victory to his record.

March 12, 2022: Unanimous Decision Victory Over Thiago Santos

On March 12, 2022, Magomed Ankalaev faced Thiago Santos at UFC Fight Night 203 and won the bout via unanimous decision.

July 30, 2022: TKO Victory Over Anthony Smith

On July 30, 2022, Magomed Ankalaev faced Anthony Smith at UFC 277 and won the fight via technical knockout in the second round.

December 10, 2022: Controversial Split Draw for UFC Light Heavyweight Championship

On December 10, 2022, Magomed Ankalaev fought Jan Błachowicz for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 282, resulting in a controversial split draw, despite many media members scoring the fight as a win for Ankalaev.

January 13, 2024: Knockout Victory and Performance of the Night

On January 13, 2024, Magomed Ankalaev rematched Johnny Walker at UFC Fight Night 234 and won the fight by knockout in the second round, earning him the Performance of the Night award.

October 22, 2024: Ranked #1 in UFC Light Heavyweight Division

On October 22, 2024, Magomed Ankalaev was ranked #1 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings, marking a significant milestone in his career.

October 26, 2024: Unanimous Decision Victory Over Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 308

On October 26, 2024, Magomed Ankalaev faced Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 308 and won the fight via unanimous decision, marking another triumph in his UFC career.

March 8, 2025: Scheduled Fight for UFC Light Heavyweight Championship

On March 8, 2025, Magomed Ankalaev is scheduled to face Alex Pereira for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 313, presenting an opportunity to win the title.