December 10th, 2022, was the last time we saw Magomed Ankalaev in the UFC Octagon. The Russian finally returns this weekend at UFC 294 as he takes on, Johnny Walker.
The 31-year-old’s last fight came against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282, where he looked to win the vacant light heavyweight title. The two fought to a draw and the title remained vacant.
At UFC 294 media day, the Russian reflected on that fight with Blachowicz, and stuck to his guns that he won that fight.
“I’ve rewatched the fight a couple of times and I still believe that there’s no question that I came out a winner that time around, but I understand that it’s not just about winning, it’s about putting on a show so I think we’ve done a lot of work, we’ve corrected the mistakes that we had and i’m ready to show exciting fights and not just win, but win before the end of the fight,” he said.
Ankalaev has received a slight bit of criticism from not only the fans, but his upcoming opponent, Johnny Walker, that he isn’t exciting as a fighter. In 11 UFC fights, he has gone to a decision five times, and also holds five finishes.
He hinted that this time out, he is going to come out with more aggression, and will be looking to finish the Brazilian, Walker.
“I’m not waiting to see what he’s going to throw out, we have a game-plan and we’re hunting for his head.
“I think the fans like mostly the stand-up fights, the striking fights and I think aggression is the most exciting thing in this type of business.”
Watch the full UFC 294 media day appearance from Magomed Ankalaev above.
