Get ready for an epic light heavyweight clash at UFC 294 between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker. Find out more about this highly anticipated fight and other exciting matchups!
A highly anticipated light heavyweight bout is scheduled to take place at UFC 294, as Magomed Ankalaev goes head-to-head with Johnny Walker. The event is set to happen on October 21 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Ankalaev, known for his impressive performances in the Octagon, had a split draw in his last fight against Jan Blachowicz in December. This result left the division without a champion, leading the UFC to arrange another title fight between Jamahal Hill and Glover Teixeira.
Before the draw, Ankalaev had an impressive winning streak of nine fights, defeating notable opponents such as Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos, Volkan Oezdemir, and Nikita Krylov. On the other hand, Walker is currently on a career-best winning streak, having defeated Smith, Paul Craig, and Ion Cutelaba.
Both Ankalaev and Walker are highly ranked in the light heavyweight division, holding the No. 2 and No. 6 spots, respectively. With the vacant title up for grabs, it is now speculated that Jiri Prochazka and Alex Pereira will face off for the championship belt.
Hill, who previously held the title after defeating Teixeira in January, had to relinquish it in July due to an injury. Pereira, a former UFC middleweight champion, recently defeated the No. 3 ranked Blachowicz, solidifying his position as a top contender.
Meanwhile, Prochazka, a former 205-pound champion, is currently ranked No. 1 in the division. Having previously given up the belt in 2022 due to an injury, Prochazka is determined to reclaim his status as the champion.
In addition to the light heavyweight clash, UFC 294 will also feature a highly anticipated rematch for the lightweight title between champion Islam Makhachev and former champion Charles Oliveira. Fans can also look forward to a pivotal middleweight matchup between Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev.
Stay tuned for more updates on UFC 294 and the exciting matchups that await!
