Magomed Ankalaev overcame one of the more difficult hurdles in MMA at UFC Fight Night 282 by rebounding from a devastating title loss. But despite a largely one-sided performance where he was the primary aggressor, Ankalaev (22-2-1 MMA, 13-2-1 UFC) didn't leave a feeling of satisfaction with his fifth-round TKO of Bogdan Guskov.
Instead, he got claims from fellow light heavyweight contenders that the division needs to be "saved" and Ankalaev is not the threat his No. 1 ranking represents.
A Tough Spot
The fight itself was not a thriller. Most can admit that. But Ankalaev was in a tough spot. He needed to get the job done after losing the belt in unsettling fashion against Alex Pereira in their October rematch at UFC 320. The fact Guskov was a late replacement and was reluctant to engage led to what happened. Could it have been more exciting? Sure. But in the end Ankalaev still got the stoppage.
What's Next?
Once the dust settles, Ankalaev will still have his top ranking and can claim that no one in the current 205-pound weight class holds a win over him. He is a tough fight for anyone, whether it is champion Carlos Ulberg when he comes back from injury, or a potential interim title bout with Paulo Costa.
Ankalaev probably deserves to challenge Ulberg once the champ is healthy, but he also said he doesn't want to wait. If the UFC makes an interim belt, he should be part of that fight. If not, the original headliner with Khalil Rountree Jr. could be remade.
