Magomed Ankalaev, a prominent MMA fighter, has experienced only one defeat in his career, a loss he regards as potentially the worst in history.
This Saturday, Ankalaev will defend his light heavyweight title for the first time in a highly anticipated rematch against Alex Pereira. The bout will headline UFC 320 at the T-Mobile Arena.
The Russian fighter secured a surprising victory in their initial encounter at UFC 313 earlier this year, where he notably out-struck Pereira over all five rounds.
Throughout his professional career, the 33-year-old has maintained an almost perfect record, encountering a setback only on a single occasion.
Ankalaev Reflects on His Worst Career Loss
Before his recent defeat by Ankalaev, ‘Poatan’ (Pereira) was widely recognized as a dominant figure in combat sports, consistently overcoming all challengers.
Despite losing his belt, the Brazilian now has the opportunity to become the first fighter in modern history, alongside Randy Couture, to achieve a three-time UFC champion status across two different weight classes.
Ankalaev, conversely, has only one loss in his 23-fight MMA career. This solitary defeat occurred during his UFC debut in 2018.
Following an impressive run on the regional circuit, ‘Big Ank’ was matched against Paul Craig for his first UFC fight. After largely dominating the Scottish opponent for most of the contest, Ankalaev suffered a shocking submission with merely one second remaining on the clock.
Ahead of his first title defense, Ankalaev has reflected on this singular loss, suggesting it might be the worst in UFC history due to his own admission of “giving up” in those crucial final moments.
“I used to be concerned about losing and public opinion. That no longer affects me. You could say I had the worst loss in the UFC; I literally surrendered in the fight`s final seconds, and people had mixed reactions.”
He continued, “My view is – I don`t do things for others` benefit; I do them for myself, my loved ones, and those who believe in me… That loss truly transformed my life. Initially, it was difficult; I avoided public appearances for a month.”
“I thought I wouldn`t fight anymore, but within that month, I realized it wasn`t solely my fault. I gave my all, and it was ultimately the will of the Almighty,” he concluded.
Ankalaev Hints at Future Weight Class Change Post-UFC 320
It`s common for UFC fighters to consider future career moves, and Ankalaev is no exception. If his upcoming fight goes well, the Russian is already contemplating a potential shift to a different weight class.
Beyond Pereira, Carlos Ulberg stands out as another top contender for the title, having recently secured an impressive win at UFC Perth.
However, Ankalaev`s immediate focus is to replicate his successful performance against ‘Poatan’. He must potentially defend his title against Ulberg before seriously considering a quest to become a two-division champion.
