It’s rematch time at UFC Vegas 84.
In the UFC’s first main event of 2024, Magomed Ankalaev goes up against Johnny Walker. The top light heavyweights fought to a controversial no-contest last year at UFC 294, following an illegal knee from Ankalaev.
They’ll look to not only settle the score, but also secure a title shot against UFC champ Alex Pereira. Former title challenger Ankalaev is unbeaten in his last 11 fights while Walker rides a three-fight win streak.
Round 1:
Walker goes for a leg kick and then a spinning back kick that partially lands. Walker hunts down Ankalaev on the feet with more kicks. Question mark kick is a go for Walker.
Ankalaev and Walker exchange leg kicks. Walker misses big on a spinning backlist. Ankalaev throws a right hook. Headkick lands for Walker. Ankalaev continues to find a home for his leg kicks.
Ankalaev kicks Walker’s crotch, pausing the fight for a moment. Walker complains about the cup-hitting foul. The Russian receives a ‘hard warning’ from referee Marc Goddard before the action resumes.
Walker makes sure to showcase his capoeira skills at the end of round.
CDS: 10-9 Walker
Round 2:
The rivals get going on the feet. Ankalaev and Walker trade leg kicks. Even more low kicks pile up. Ankalaev throws the right hand. Ankalaev pressures Walker, keeping his opponent on the back foot. Walker eats a leg kick and then a huge punch from Ankalaev that puts him down. Ankalaev lands another big shot on the ground right before the referee calls an end to the contest.
Official result: Magomed Ankalaev defeats Johnny Walker by KO (punch) in round 2 (2:42)
Check out the highlights below:
Hell of a knockout by Ankalaev.
— AFeldmanMMA (@afeldMMA) January 14, 2024
How Johnny Walker wasn’t put out cold by that second punch is rather insane. pic.twitter.com/3vfRKvRpJb
The score has been settled 😤
— UFC (@ufc) January 14, 2024
Magomed Ankalaev puts an end to this one with a second round KO! #UFCVegas84 pic.twitter.com/Z2fnsp3N4i
Magomed Ankalaev closes the show in emphatic fashion 💪 #UFCVegas84 pic.twitter.com/ZKnH7S6ozg
— UFC (@ufc) January 14, 2024
Magomed Ankalaev has only one thing on his mind after tonight's victory 👀 #UFCVegas84 pic.twitter.com/qcxnDHCYHa
— UFC (@ufc) January 14, 2024
