UFC Vegas 50: Magomed Ankalaev Feels Title Shot Depends On Performance Against Santos

Las Vegas, NV — Dagestani light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev enters his first UFC main event this weekend, and he’s found the experience a motivational one.

“Of course it feels like an accomplishment. I’m glad the UFC bosses gave me an opportunity to headline the event, and it motivates me,” Ankalaev (16-1) told media outlets including Cageside Press during Wednesday’s UFC Vegas 50 media day.

Since debuting in the promotion in 2018, in a losing effort against Paul Craig, Ankalaev has been on a tear. Following the Craig fight, he’s put together seven straight victories, most recently getting past former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir.

Being on the cusp of a potential title shot has Ankalaev taking the extra duties that come with his marquee billing in stride, it seems. “Not gonna lie, I got used to it a little bit. I got so close to the title, nothing else is bothering me,” he stated. “I’m just focused for the fight, focused for the title, and moving forward.”

He knows he’s in for a tough match-up against Thiago Santos, who previously fought Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title. “Thiago is a very tough opponent, very high level striker, same as me,” Ankalaev observed. “So I’m ready to fight, I’m ready to entertain the fans. I’m ready for his style, his techniques. I’m ready.”

The question surrounding the fight going in, however, is whether a win against Santos is enough to land Ankalaev the title shot. He’s currently ranked #6 in the weight class, with Santos one spot ahead of him. #2 ranked Jiri Prochazka fights champ Glover Texeira later this year.

“It’s hard to say, but I feel it depends on the fight. It depends how I’ll [beat] Thiago, for example,” suggested Ankalaev. “The way I will [beat] him. But I hope I will get the title shot after.”

Perhaps another sign that he’s arrived: Ankalaev was recently added to EA Sports UFC 4.

“I’m very happy that they added me to the game, I’m very excited about it,” Ankalaev said on that front. “To be honest I didn’t get a chance to use my character in the game yet, but after the fight, I’m looking forward to play[ing] and test[ing] myself in the game, to see how I am.”

Watch the full UFC Vegas 50 media day appearance from Magomed Ankalaev above. More coverage can be found below. The event takes place this Saturday, March 12, 2022 at the Apex in Las Vegas, NV.