Magomed Ankalaev Biography 2025 Age, Height, Weight, Net Worth, Salary, Born, Parents and More

Magomed Ankalaev Biography Magomed Ankalaev born June 2, 1992 is a Russian professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of October 22, 2024, he is ranked #1 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings. Ankalaev is the former light heavyweight champion of World Fighting Championship Akhmat and the winner of the 2016 Akhmat FC Light Heavyweight Grand Prix.

Magomed Ankalaev Biography

Magomed Alibulatovich Ankalaev, born on June 2, 1992, in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia, is a prominent Russian mixed martial artist currently competing in the light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known for his striking abilities and strategic fight style, Ankalaev has risen to the top of the UFC light heavyweight rankings, solidifying his reputation as a formidable contender in the MMA world.

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Magomed Ankalaev Biography Details

Born Magomed Alibulatovich Ankalaev
2 June 1992 (age 32)
Teletl’, Dagestan, Russia
Native name Магомед Анкалаев
Height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight 205 lb (93 kg; 14.6 st)
Division Light Heavyweight
Reach 75 in (191 cm)
Style Combat Sambo
Fighting out of Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia
Team Fight Club Akhmat
Trainer Sukhrab Magomedov (head coach)
Shamil Alibatyrov
Rank International Master of Sport in Amateur MMA
Master of Sport in Combat Sambo
Years active 2014–present
Category  WWE News

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About Magomed Ankalaev

Magomed Alibulatovich Ankalaev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of October 22, 2024, he is #1 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.

  1. Born: 2 June 1992 (age 32 years), Teletl’, Russia
  2. Weight: 93 kg
  3. Height: 9 m
  4. Division: Light Heavyweight
  5. Rank: International Master of Sport in Amateur MMA; Master of Sport in Combat Sambo
  6. Reach: 75 in (191 cm)

Early Life

Ankalaev was born on June 2, 1992, in Teletl’, Shamilsky District, Russia, into a family of Avar descent. He began his athletic journey by training in Greco-Roman Wrestling for a year while attending Dagestan State University, where he graduated from the sport faculty. During this time, he also competed in combat sambo and earned the title of Master of Sports in the discipline. His growing interest in MMA stemmed from its similarities to combat sambo. Ankalaev went on to become both the Russian and World champion in amateur MMA. He was also named the 2015 Mixed Martial Artist of Russia by the Russian MMA Federation. Ankalaev is a devout Muslim.

Mixed Martial Arts Career

In December 2013, Ankalaev claimed the gold medal at the WMMAA World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, defeating Kazakhstan’s Rustam Malaev in the finals. In June 2014, at the Russian MMA Championship, he defeated two of Fedor Emelianenko’s students, Valentin Moldavsky in the semi-finals and Vadim Nemkov in the final. This earned him a spot in the WMMAA Championship in Minsk, Belarus, in September, where he secured a silver medal.

In March 2015, Ankalaev won the MMA Cup of Dagestan finals by defeating Muslim Magomedov. Less than a month later, he triumphed in the Russian Cup, once again beating Magomedov in the final. The following month, Ankalaev defeated his old rival, Valentin Moldavsky, via split decision at the Russian MMA Championship to win the gold medal. In November 2015, he took home the gold at the WMMAA World Championship in Prague, Czech Republic.

Key Information

  • Full Name: Magomed Alibulatovich Ankalaev
  • Date of Birth: June 2, 1992
  • Place of Birth: Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia
  • Nationality: Russian
  • Height: 6’3″ (191 cm)
  • Weight Class: Light Heavyweight (205 lbs)
  • Reach: 75 inches (191 cm)
  • Stance: Orthodox
  • Team: Gorets
  • Professional Record: 20 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw (1 NC)
  • Net Worth: Estimated at $1 million
  • Upcoming Fight: Scheduled against Alex Pereira at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025

Family Background

Ankalaev hails from a family of Avar descent in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, Russia. Growing up in this region, which has a deep martial arts culture, he was influenced early on to pursue combat sports. While attending Dagestan State University, Ankalaev began training in Greco-Roman wrestling for a year before transitioning to combat sambo, a Russian martial art that combines judo and wrestling techniques. He earned the title of Master of Sports in sambo, which led him to pursue mixed martial arts (MMA). Ankalaev went on to become both the Russian and World champion in amateur MMA and was named the 2015 Russian MMA Fighter of the Year. Ankalaev is also known for his devout Muslim faith.

Career Beginnings and Key Milestones

Ankalaev’s professional MMA career began in January 2014 with a win over Vasily Babich by majority decision at the Oplot Challenge tournament in Ukraine. He went on to compete in the World Fighting Championship Akhmat (WFCA), where he won the light heavyweight title and successfully defended it.

In October 2017, Ankalaev joined the UFC, making his debut in March 2018 against Paul Craig. Despite dominating the fight, Ankalaev suffered a submission loss in the final seconds, marking his first professional defeat. However, he bounced back with several victories, including a spectacular knockout of Marcin Prachnio in September 2018, earning a Performance of the Night bonus.

Notable Achievements and Highlights

Ankalaev’s UFC career has been marked by impressive performances and several accolades, including:

  • Performance Bonuses: Four Performance of the Night awards for victories over Marcin Prachnio, Dalcha Lungiambula, Ion Cuțelaba, and Johnny Walker.
  • Title Shot: In December 2022, Ankalaev fought Jan Błachowicz for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 282, but the bout ended in a split draw, with many believing Ankalaev deserved the title.
  • Recent Victory: Ankalaev won a unanimous decision over Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 308 in October 2024, strengthening his case for a title shot.

Current Status and Future Prospects

Ankalaev remains a top contender in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. His dominant victory over Rakić has propelled him further into title contention, with a potential fight against current champion Alex Pereira on the horizon. Ankalaev’s confidence and readiness to challenge Pereira have kept fans and analysts excited about his future in the UFC.

Personal Life and Background

Ankalaev is a devout Muslim and comes from a family of Avar descent. His roots in Dagestan, a region famous for producing elite martial artists, have significantly influenced his personal values and career.

Interesting Facts

  • Combat Sambo Background: Ankalaev’s success in combat sambo laid the foundation for his MMA career, influencing his well-rounded fighting style.
  • Resilience: After his initial loss to Paul Craig in 2018, Ankalaev went on an impressive nine-fight win streak, showcasing his resilience and growth as a fighter.

Charitable Work and Legacy

While there are limited details on Ankalaev’s philanthropic efforts, his rise from Dagestan to UFC prominence serves as an inspiration, particularly for fighters from his region. His perseverance and dedication to his sport make him a role model for many aspiring athletes in Dagestan and beyond.

Future Impact and Cultural Influence

Ankalaev’s future in the UFC is promising, with many experts predicting that he will continue his ascent through the ranks and eventually secure a title shot. His blend of striking and grappling, along with his strategic mindset, has made him a fan favorite and earned him respect from peers. Ankalaev is also part of a wave of Russian fighters reshaping the MMA landscape, particularly those from Dagestan, who are known for their wrestling dominance. In the coming years, Ankalaev’s career will likely continue to soar, and his legacy as a dominant force in the UFC may be further cemented. His determination to achieve the ultimate goal of winning a UFC title and his continued success in the octagon promise to elevate his place in MMA history.

Magomed Ankalaev Net Worth

Ankalaev’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. His income primarily comes from his UFC fight purses, with additional revenue from sponsorships. For example, his disclosed earnings for UFC 282 in December 2022 amounted to $782,000, which included a $400,000 base salary, $32,000 in sponsorships, and $350,000 from pay-per-view shares.

Conclusion

Here we have shared Magomed Ankalaev Biography 2025, including his age, height, weight, net worth, salary, birth details, parents, and more. He is a skilled MMA fighter known for his dominance in the light heavyweight division. With impressive striking and grappling abilities, he continues to rise in the UFC rankings. His dedication and hard work make him a formidable competitor in the sport.

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