Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker Booked For UFC 294
A top-10 matchup in the Light Heavyweight division has just been announced for UFC 294. Magomed Ankalaev will face Johnny Walker on October 21st in the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, per Vestnik MMA.
This bout takes place in the Light-Heavyweight (205 lbs) division.
Magomed Ankalaev is ranked #2 in the Light-Heavyweight division and holds a professional record of 18-1-1 (9-1-1 UFC), and has notable wins over Thiago Santos, Volkan Ozedemir, and Nikita Krylov.
Johnny Walker holds a professional record of 21-7 (7-4 UFC) and is ranked #6 at Light-Heavyweight. He holds credible victories over Anthony Smith, Paul Craig, and Ion Cutelaba.
Official odds have yet to be released.
Magomed Ankalaev is coming off a draw at UFC 282 to Jan Blachowicz. After his three-round co-main event was surprisingly promoted to a title fight following Jiri Prochazka's title relinquishment, Ankalaev would go five rounds for just the second time in his career. His leg was severely compromised in the third round due to Blachowicz's leg kicks, but the Dagestani battled through to win rounds 4 and 5, including a 10-8 in the final round. However, it was not enough to rally, and he would not claim the vacant title. Ankalaev will be looking to return to the win column after a 10-month layoff, and he'll be looking to use his technical striking and powerful wrestling to do so.
Johnny Walker is riding the hottest win streak of his career. After going 1-4 across five bouts, Walker dialed back his wild style and began to use his physical gifts more advantageously. Walker defeated Anthony Smith via unanimous decision in his last bout after dropping him and dominating Smith for most of the bout. Now, he looks to gain the biggest win of his career and bring his win streak to four vs. Magomed Ankalaev. Walker will be looking to use his unpredictable striking and great jiu-jitsu to secure victory in this matchup.
The UFC 294 card keeps getting better and better. So who do you have winning this matchup? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know your prediction in the comments section below.
