SUMMARY
- For those unaware, Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalev had a pretty controversial showdown at UFC 294.
- Following the event, it was announced that Walker and Ankalaev would face off once again on January 13, 2024.
Fight fans can finally rejoice, as they will soon be treated to some action! Following the rollercoaster of events last year, fans are anxiously awaiting the next UFC event. As such, let’s take a closer look at what is in store for us when the action finally returns in 2024.
Kicking things off in the new year, we have UFC Vegas 84, also known as UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2. For those unaware, Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalev had a pretty controversial showdown at UFC 294. Taking place as the featured bout of the main card, there was a lot of hype around the fight. However, both the fans and the fighters were let down on the night.
We’re running it back in the New Year! 🎉
2024 is starting off with a LHW battle between @AnkalaevM & @JohnnyWalker! pic.twitter.com/dJLJfXh2sG
— UFC (@ufc) November 16, 2023
In what had started off as a lively contest, Walker and Ankalaev went at it from the get-go. Having cornered his opponent against the cage, the Russian fighter tried to knee his opponent’s body. However, Ankalev missed, landing his knee on Walker’s head instead. As per the rules, knees to a downed opponent are an automatic disqualification. Notably, it was how Petr Yan lost his title to Aljamain Sterling.
Interestingly, no such action was taken in this instance. For the most part, Walker had also recovered and was ready to go, but was stopped by the doctor. Having made a horrendous call earlier in the night, the doctor deemed Walker unfit to continue. As such, the decision almost resulted in a brawl inside the Octagon. Following the event, it was announced that Walker and Ankalaev would face off once again on January 13, 2024.
UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs Walker 2 full fight card
With their last fight being declared a draw instead of a DQ, fans are anxious to see how the fight will play out this time. However, many will be pleased to know that there are plenty of other exciting matchups on the card as well. In the co-main event, #6-ranked flyweight Manel Kape will rematch the #5-ranked Matheus Nicolau.
With that said, UFC Vegas 84, or UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2, will be live out of the UFC APEX, in Las Vegas. As such, here is the complete fight card for the night.
Main Card
Johnny Walker vs. Magomed Ankalaev
Matheus Nicolau vs. Manel Kape
Jim Miller vs. Gabriel Benitez
Ricky Simon vs. Mario Bautista
Phil Hawes vs. Brunno Ferreira
Preliminary Card
Andrei Arlovski vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta
Matthew Semelsberger vs. Preston Parsons
Marcus McGhee vs. Gaston Bolanos
Farid Basharat vs. Taylor Lapilus
Westin Wilson vs. Jean Silva
Nicholas Motta vs. Tom Nolan
Joshua Van vs. Felipe Bunes
Ahead of January 13, the card has undergone some changes. Notably, Bassil Hafez has been removed from his welterweight fight against Preston Parsons and will be replaced by Matthew Semeslberger. Similarly, Gabriel Santos has been removed from his featherweight bout against Westin Wilson and replaced by Dana White’s Contender Series season 7 signee Jean Silva.
#UFCVegas84 pic.twitter.com/g2KXMyskG2
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) December 30, 2023
Moreover, Yana Santos’ bantamweight bout with Norma Dumont has been canceled. Elsewhere, Ketlen Vieira has been removed from her bantamweight bout against Macy Chiasson. As a result, the fight has also been canceled. Lastly, owing to visa issues, Denys Bondar has been removed from his flyweight bout with Felipe Bunes and will be replaced by Joshua Van.
