Magomed Ankalaev may be at a critical juncture in his career following his performance at UFC 320.
Few former UFC champions find themselves at such a significant crossroads after losing their title as Ankalaev now does.
Leading up to his rematch with Alex Pereira, Ankalaev, a Dagestani fighter, displayed an unusually confident demeanor and engaged in significant trash talk. This approach seemed risky, especially considering his previous fight against Pereira wasn`t dominant and there were rumors of Pereira`s less-than-ideal preparation.
However, this confidence backfired dramatically when Pereira defeated Ankalaev in a mere 80 seconds at UFC 320.
In the aftermath, Pereira achieved his revenge and is now reportedly targeting a historic move to heavyweight to challenge Jon Jones.
Ankalaev, on the other hand, faces a return to his previous predicament: winning fights while perpetually feeling overlooked for title opportunities by the UFC.
Unless, there`s another path…
Magomed Ankalaev to PFL: A Controversial Idea Worth Considering
MMA analyst Din Thomas, known for his insightful commentary, once put forth a provocative idea: a trade sending Ankalaev to PFL in exchange for Dakota Ditcheva.
Thomas first proposed this before Ankalaev won the title in March and reiterated it before UFC 320. At the time, suggesting the UFC trade a reigning champion on a 14-fight unbeaten streak seemed absurd.
However, after the recent events, the notion doesn`t seem quite so outlandish.
While a direct trade for Ditcheva remains improbable—she`s a rising star in PFL, recently signed a new contract, and is likely to complete it before considering a UFC move—the core concept of Ankalaev joining PFL holds merit.
Focusing solely on Ankalaev`s potential fit with PFL, a compelling case can be made.
Objectively, Ankalaev’s prior title shot was deserved, and he remains one of the sport`s elite light heavyweights. Based purely on merit, he should only need one significant win to earn another shot at the UFC title.
Yet, the UFC`s decision-making often deviates from a strict merit-based system.
Ankalaev`s path in the UFC seems rather predictable: he`ll likely defeat another high-ranking contender, possibly Khalil Rountree Jr. or the winner of Aleksandar Rakic vs. Azamat Murzakanov.
Beyond that, a rematch with Pereira seems unlikely if Pereira retains the belt, and it’s plausible the UFC might actively steer Ankalaev away from title contention.
To avoid a career defined by a brief, disappointing UFC title reign—comparable in length to those of Sean Strickland and Julianna Pena, and ending as abruptly and humiliatingly as Jose Aldo`s 13-second loss to Conor McGregor or Pena`s defeat to Amanda Nunes—Ankalaev should consider taking control of his destiny.
Public Sentiment: Limited Interest in Ankalaev`s Future UFC Title Fights
While some astute fans might argue it`s premature for a recent champion in his prime to consider leaving, the online reaction from the MMA community suggests a different reality regarding Ankalaev`s prospects for future UFC title contention.
Here are some examples of the prevailing sentiment:
- “Nobody on this planet wants to see a trilogy.”
- “I actually like Ankalaev but getting a title shot after getting smoked in round 1 is crazy.”
- “Let’s call a spade a spade, Ankalaev’s defeat feels good, and he’ll never again catch a whiff of a title shot, especially after his performance tonight.”
- “One thing I accept as an Ankalaev fan is that he feared (Pereira) and that’s so embarrassing. You won’t ever get a title shot with that attitude.”
- “Why should Ankalaev get a trilogy when he never defended his belt? Ank had another chance to win the belt against Jan (Blachowicz) and blew that…UFC only gave him another title shot when they had absolutely no other choice…He’s not getting another title shot for a long while.”
- “Ankalaev will never fight for a title ever again. The UFC does not want him as champ ever again.”
- “The UFC will never let Ankalaev near a title shot ever again.”
- “So for all intents and purposes, can we all just act like that Ankalaev title (reign) never happened?”
While this is a small selection, these opinions reflect a broader sentiment within the fanbase.
Regardless of personal agreement, the lack of public enthusiasm for Ankalaev competing for UFC titles is undeniable.
The UFC, including Dana White and its matchmakers, typically prioritizes fights with strong public interest, unless a favored fighter is involved—a dynamic exemplified by the prolonged wait for Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic while interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall was sidelined.
PFL`s Evolution Could Offer a New Opportunity for Magomed Ankalaev
For free agents like Shane Burgos, PFL has historically been attractive due to its financial incentives, particularly the chance to win $1 million through its seasonal formats.
However, after years of this experimental format, PFL is transitioning to a more traditional structure, introducing standard divisional titles.
The first PFL light heavyweight belt was recently awarded to former UFC contender Corey Anderson, who defeated Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov on the undercard of Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes.
An Ankalaev vs. Anderson title fight in PFL could generate more excitement and be more financially rewarding than any potential contender bouts Ankalaev might secure in the UFC, possibly taking place before an enthusiastic audience in the Middle East.
While PFL`s 205-pound division isn`t as deep as the UFC`s, its annual World Tournament would provide consistent challengers, alongside other notable former UFC and Bellator fighters on its roster. This environment could allow for a substantial title reign for Ankalaev.
Critics might diminish the achievement due to the promotion, but successful fighters like Patchy Mix and Patricio Pitbull have earned significant respect for their accomplishments outside the UFC.
UFC 320 doesn`t diminish Ankalaev`s fundamental skills; he remains, technically, among the division`s elite.
However, if he aims to fully capitalize on his talent and achieve consistent championship opportunities, a departure from the UFC might be his best option.
