The only fighter to ever defeat Magomed Ankalaev endured significant challenges to secure his victory.
According to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Ankalaev is considered one of Russia`s greatest fighters. Magomed Ankalaev, the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion, has long been a remarkably consistent and dominant presence in the sport. At UFC 320, Ankalaev is set to return and aims to decisively conclude his rivalry with Alex Pereira by defeating the Brazilian for a second consecutive time. Although the Russian fighter has suffered a loss, it required an extraordinary effort to break his previously undefeated record.
Paul Craig Details Post-Fight Ordeal: Unable to Walk for Two Days After Comeback Win Against Magomed Ankalaev
During his 2018 UFC debut in London, Magomed Ankalaev suffered a submission loss to Paul Craig, with the victory secured just one second before the round`s end. Recently retired fighter Paul Craig appeared on Tom Aspinall’s Fight Club on TNT Sports, where he analyzed the upcoming bouts in Las Vegas. Statistics from Craig`s encounter with Ankalaev reveal the fight`s dominant trajectory before “Bearjew” executed a pivotal triangle choke, a move that potentially salvaged his UFC career.
| Magomed Ankalaev | Paul Craig | |
|---|---|---|
| Significant Strikes | 59 of 96 | 18 of 50 |
| Total Strikes | 89 of 129 | 34 of 70 |
| Takedowns | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 |
| Control Time | 6:43 | 1:47 |
Following UFC 313, Craig expressed his view that Ankalaev`s fighting style hasn`t significantly evolved since their bout, despite Ankalaev becoming the light heavyweight champion. Nevertheless, as Craig highlighted, this consistency doesn`t imply an easier challenge for Alex Pereira this Saturday, given the immense struggle Craig himself endured to claim victory from what seemed like certain defeat.
For nearly 14 minutes, he completely dominated me. He was incredibly explosive and powerful. I distinctly recall him executing a wrestling takedown, setting me down as gently as a father lays down a baby, despite the brutality. I suffered a literal hole in my jaw beneath my chin from his strike, along with fractured ribs. He essentially brutalized me, and for the following two days, I was unable to walk due to the damage inflicted on my legs and arms.
Magomed Ankalaev`s Impressive 14-Fight Unbeaten Streak Since His Sole Loss
During the breakdown, Paul Craig admitted he knew little about Magomed Ankalaev before their bout, only becoming aware of his impressive accolades as UFC commentators listed them on air. Following this singular defeat, fans truly began to witness the Russian`s capabilities, as it remains the only loss on his professional record. Since that submission loss, Ankalaev has compiled an impressive unbeaten streak of 14 consecutive fights.
| Opponent | Event and Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Pereira | UFC 313 (2025) | Ankalaev via decision |
| Aleksandar Rakic | UFC 308 (2024) | Ankalaev via decision |
| Johnny Walker | UFC Vegas 84 (2024) | Ankalaev via KO – Round 2 |
| Johnny Walker | UFC 294 (2023) | No contest – illegal knee |
| Jan Blachowicz | UFC 282 (2022) | Split draw |
| Anthony Smith | UFC 277 (2022) | Ankalaev via TKO – Round 2 |
| Thiago Santos | UFC Vegas 50 (2022) | Ankalaev via decision |
| Volkan Oezdemir | UFC 267 (2021) | Ankalaev via decision |
| Nikita Krylov | UFC Vegas 20 (2021) | Ankalaev via decision |
| Ion Cutelaba | UFC 254 (2020) | Ankalaev via KO – Round 1 |
| Ion Cutelaba | UFC Fight Night: Norfolk (2020) | Ankalaev via TKO – Round 1 |
| Dalcha Lungiambula | UFC Fight Night: Moscow (2019) | Ankalaev via KO – Round 3 |
| Klidson Abreu | UFC Fight Night: Prague (2019) | Ankalaev via decision |
| Marcin Prachnio | UFC Fight Night: Moscow (2018) | Ankalaev via TKO – Round 1 |
This consistent string of victories led many fans to believe his championship title was an inevitability rather than a mere possibility.
