Magomed Ankalaev extended his winning streak to eight, the longest active win-streak in the UFC’s light-heavyweight division. At UFC Vegas 50, Thiago Santos and Magomed Ankalaev shared the UFC cage in what was a five-round of war between both the fighters.
In what was a very close affair, it was Magomed Ankalaev who picked up a unanimous decision victory over the former title challenger to further cement his position as a top contender in the division. The judges scored the fight 49-46, 49-46, 48-47 for the winner by unanimous decision, Magomed Ankalaev.
Both the fighters came out strong in the first round, with Ankalaev getting the better of the former light-heavyweight title challenger. However, a vicious left hand dropped Ankalaev in the second round, proving yet again the power of Marreta, who has grown a reputation for his power shots, and his knockout ability.
3 rounds down – how do you have it scored? ????
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It was the fourth round where things got really nasty, as Ankalaev and Santos stood and traded. While Ankalaev got the better of Santos in terms of Octagon control, it was Santos who connected more power punches.
Santos started losing the pace in the latter part of the fourth round, with Ankalaev’s cardio and conditioning looking far better than that of the former title challenger. Anklaev dominated Santos for the better part of the rest of the fight, with Santos missing out on a lot of power shots. A takedown late in the fourth round, meant Ankalaev clearly won the fourth round after an equally impressive striking exchange on the feet.
What’s next for Magomed Ankalaev?
Taking on someone as credible as Thiago Santos, Magomed Ankalaev once again proved why he is being quoted as a future UFC Champion. The fighter from Dagestan stood on his feet against one of the most vicious knockout artists in the division. He was not only able to pick up the victory but also put on a great display of his all-around skill-set.
All smiles ????
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“I was expecting him to be more aggressive, and grapple more. But he didn’t very careful. But there was a plan.” Ankalaev said in the post-fight Octagon interview.
Speaking about who he would like to face next, here’s what the Dagestani fighter had to say. “Of course, I want a title fight, but it will depend on the UFC.”