On the undercard of UFC 294 is a fight that will have massive implications for the light heavyweight division.
Per this recent article, Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker is set to face off this October, and this isn’t your average bout between two of the best fighters in their weight class. With Jamahal Hill forced to vacate his Light Heavyweight title due to a torn ACL, whoever wins this matchup will most likely have a chance to claim the title for themselves.
While Ankalaev vs. Walker is still a few months away, let’s analyze each fighter's recent form and make some early predictions on who’s going to come out on top at UFC 294.
Key Facts
Ankalaev vs Walker Fight Information
When: October 21st, 2023
Where: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
How to Watch: ESPN + PPV ($79.99)
Tickets: Starting at 500 Dirham (~$136 USD)
Current Odds: N/A*
*The odds will not be updated until closer to the fight. In the meantime, try Overtime Heroics for MMA betting odds explained.
What to Know About Ankalaev: The last time we saw Magomed Ankalaev (18-1-1) in the Octagon, he was on the losing end of some controversial scoring against Polish fighter Jan Błachowicz that cost him the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Despite 23 of 25 media members scoring the fight for Ankalaev, it was ruled a split decision.
But, don’t let that distract from what has been an absolutely stellar UFC career for Ankalaev. Outside of a literal last-second loss to Paul Craig in his opening fight, the Russian has yet to lose. A patient fighter with an innate sense of when to attack, Ankalaev is a stellar boxer (especially his hooks) and an even better kicker.
What to Know About Walker: Formerly one of the brightest prospects in UFC, the Brazilian Johnny Walker (21-7) has had an up-and-down career in the Octagon. But, with three consecutive victories, most recently against #8 ranked Light Heavyweight fighter Anthony Smith, he seems to be back up on the upswing.
One thing to know about Walker is that he’s an absolute mountain of a man. Standing between 6’5” and 6’6” (depending on who you ask) with a very impressive 82-inch standing reach, Walker has the size advantage against basically everyone in this division, and that includes Ankalaev. With hard-hitting punches and a nasty flying knee, he’s the type of fighter who usually likes to end things early. Eight of his 11 fights in the UFC have ended inside one round.
Now, let’s talk about one thing each fighter will have to overcome to secure victory this October.
Can Walker Close Early?
This fight could be the case of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.
As we mentioned, Johnny Walker thrives when he’s on the front foot. All but one of his UFC victories have come in the first round.
But across the Octagon, Ankalaev is one of the most patient fighters in this division, often going the distance and very rarely getting caught out with big hits early on. Four of his last five fights have been decided by decision.
If Walker wants a chance at winning this, he’ll need to use his size advantage to go full throttle early on.
Can Ankalaev Overcome a Huge Reach Disadvantage?
At 6’3” with a 75-inch reach, Magomed Ankalaev certainly isn’t small by any standards, but he will be at a significant disadvantage against Johnny Walker in this department. The Russian has never fought against a fighter with such a long reach in the UFC, and it remains to be seen whether his patient approach will be as effective because of it.
If he’s to survive the early rounds, Ankalaev will need to utilize his strong kicking repertoire to keep Walker at a distance early on, before closing in as the fight wears down.
Final Prediction
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker is certainly set to be an exciting fight, but we see a clear winner here.
Walker might have the physical advantage over Ankalaev, but that’s about all he has. Ankalaev is a great defender (59% strike defense) who has the skills needed to overcome any early assaults from Walker. From there, it’s just a matter of time.
Anakalaev has a deep bag of tricks when it comes to racking up points with the judges, which is why this fight will go the distance and be ruled a unanimous decision for him.
