Magomed Ankalaev has become a dominant force in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, known for his technical striking, composure, and resilience inside the Octagon. As of July 2025, he is the reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and a top-10 pound-for-pound fighter, earning respect from fans and fighters alike for his journey from Dagestan to MMA stardom.
Magomed Ankalaev’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Magomed Alibulatovich Ankalaev |
| Nickname | Russian Terror |
| Date of Birth | June 2, 1992 |
| Age | 33 years |
| Place of Birth | Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia |
| College | Dagestan State University (Sport Faculty) |
| Religion | Islam (Devout Muslim) |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Height | 6’3” (191 cm) |
| Reach | 75 inches (191 cm) |
| Weight Class | Light Heavyweight (205 lbs) |
| Turned Pro | January 2014 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 million |
| Salary (Recent) | $600,000 base purse + $32,000 compliance (UFC 313) |
| Spouse | not married |
| Relationship Status | Private |
| Children | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | @ankalaev_magomed |
Early Career
Magomed Ankalaev grew up in Dagestan, a region famous for producing elite fighters. He started with Greco-Roman wrestling during his studies at Dagestan State University, then transitioned to combat sambo, where he became a Master of Sports. Ankalaev’s success in amateur MMA, including Russian and World championships, set the stage for his professional debut in 2014
Professional Career
Ankalaev’s pro MMA career began in Russia, where he quickly made a name for himself by winning the Akhmat FC Light Heavyweight Grand Prix in 2016 and capturing the promotion’s light heavyweight title. He joined the UFC in 2018, suffering a dramatic last-second submission loss in his debut but rebounding with an impressive win streak.
Ankalaev’s technical striking and sambo background helped him defeat top contenders like Anthony Smith, Volkan Oezdemir, and Johnny Walker. After a controversial draw against Jan Błachowicz for the vacant UFC title, Ankalaev continued to dominate, culminating in a unanimous decision victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 313 in March 2025, earning him the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
Magomed Ankalaev’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Magomed Ankalaev’s net worth is estimated at around $1 million. Some reports suggest figures between $900,000 and $1.2 million, but $1 million is the most frequently cited number, based on his fight purses and limited endorsement deals.
Fight Purses
| Event & Opponent | Date | Purse (Base + Compliance) | PPV/Bonus (if known) | Total Reported Earnings |
| UFC 313 vs. Alex Pereira | Mar 8, 2025 | $600,000 + $32,000 | Not disclosed | $632,000+ |
| UFC Fight Night vs. Johnny Walker | Jan 13, 2023 | $400,000 | – | $400,000 |
| UFC 282 vs. Jan Błachowicz | Dec 10, 2022 | $400,000 | $32,000 sponsor + $78,000 PPV | $510,000 |
| UFC 277 vs. Anthony Smith | Jul 30, 2022 | $156,000 | – | $156,000 |
| UFC 267 vs. Volkan Oezdemir | Oct 30, 2021 | $116,000 | – | $116,000 |
| UFC 254 vs. Ion Cutelaba | Oct 24, 2020 | $125,000 | – | $125,000 |
| UFC on ESPN+ 27 vs. Cutelaba | Feb 29, 2020 | $70,000 | – | $70,000 |
Endorsements
- Lite Energy (energy drink brand, occasionally promoted on his Instagram)
- UFC fight gear sponsorships (compliance pay)
- No major public endorsement deals reported
Career Records
| Date | Event | Opponent | Result | Method | Rounds |
| Mar 8, 2025 | UFC 313 | Alex Pereira | Win | Unanimous Decision | 5 |
| Oct 26, 2024 | UFC 308 | Aleksandar Rakic | Win | Unanimous Decision | 3 |
| Jan 13, 2023 | UFC Fight Night | Johnny Walker | Win | KO/TKO | 2 |
| Dec 10, 2022 | UFC 282 | Jan Błachowicz | Draw | Split Decision | 5 |
| Jul 30, 2022 | UFC 277 | Anthony Smith | Win | KO/TKO | 2 |
| Mar 12, 2022 | UFC Fight Night | Thiago Santos | Win | Unanimous Decision | 5 |
| Oct 30, 2021 | UFC 267 | Volkan Oezdemir | Win | Unanimous Decision | 3 |
| Oct 24, 2020 | UFC 254 | Ion Cutelaba | Win | KO/TKO | 1 |
| Feb 29, 2020 | UFC on ESPN+ 27 | Ion Cutelaba | Win | KO/TKO | 1 |
| Mar 17, 2018 | UFC Fight Night | Paul Craig | Loss | Submission | 3 |
Professional Record
- Wins: 21
- Losses: 1
- Draws: 1
- No Contests: 1
- Knockout Wins: 10
- Submission Wins: 0
FAQs
1. Who is Magomed Ankalaev?
Magomed Ankalaev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC’s light heavyweight division and is the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. He is known for his striking ability and has a background in Greco-Roman wrestling and combat sambo.
2. What is Magomed Ankalaev’s MMA record?
As of July 2025, Magomed Ankalaev holds a professional MMA record of 21 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with 11 wins by knockout and no submission victories.
3. What is Magomed Ankalaev’s fighting style?
Ankalaev is primarily a striker, utilizing powerful punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. Despite his background in sambo and wrestling, he rarely relies on grappling to win fights, preferring to keep the fight standing.
4. Where is Magomed Ankalaev from?
He was born in Teletl, Shamilsky District, Dagestan, Russia, and is of Avar descent. He currently resides and trains in Makhachkala, Dagestan.
5. What are some of Magomed Ankalaev’s major career achievements?
Ankalaev is the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, former World Fighting Championship Akhmat light heavyweight champion, and winner of the 2016 Akhmat FC Light Heavyweight Grand Prix. He is also a Master of Sports in combat sambo and has won multiple medals in amateur MMA.
6. How tall is Magomed Ankalaev and what is his reach?
He stands 191 cm (6’3″) tall and has a reach of 191 cm (75 inches).
7. When did Magomed Ankalaev make his UFC debut?
Ankalaev made his UFC debut on March 17, 2018.
8. Who did Magomed Ankalaev defeat to win the UFC Light Heavyweight title?
He won the UFC Light Heavyweight title by defeating Alex Pereira via unanimous decision at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025.
9. Has Magomed Ankalaev ever lost by knockout or submission?
No, Ankalaev’s only professional loss came by submission, not by knockout, and he has never been knocked out in his career.
10. What is Magomed Ankalaev’s background outside of MMA?
He graduated from Dagestan State University, trained in Greco-Roman wrestling and combat sambo, and is a devout Muslim. He was named the 2015 Mixed Martial Artist of Russia by the Russian MMA federation.