The UFC 294 bout between Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalaev ended in a no-contest after the doctor declared Walker unable to continue, causing confusion and frustration among the fighters and spectators.
The highly anticipated light heavyweight bout between Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 294 ended in a no-contest after the cageside doctor deemed Walker unable to continue. The doctor’s decision came after a brief interaction with Walker, although it remains unclear what exactly was said. The fight was waved off at the 3:13 mark of the first round, much to the confusion and disappointment of both fighters.
The situation took a while to diffuse, with Walker and Ankalaev briefly threatening to continue fighting despite the doctor’s ruling. UFC security and CEO Dana White had to step in to calm the situation. This incident came after the doctor downplayed a previous no-contest resulting from an accidental foul, further raising eyebrows and leaving fighters questioning the doctor’s judgment.
Several fighters took to social media to express their thoughts on the controversial no-contest. Danish Dynamite Nicolas Dalby pointed out the doctor’s involvement in strange situations throughout the night, while Al Iaquinta urged for the fighters to be allowed to continue. Some fighters, like Brian Kelleher, expressed confusion over the doctor’s decision, while others, such as Jeff Molina, resorted to dark humor.
The outcome of the fight was met with disappointment, with Aljamain Sterling stating that the fight should have been allowed to continue. Corey Anderson even humorously questioned whether Walker would be fined for his altercation with the referee. Overall, the no-contest between Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalaev left many perplexed and unsatisfied, raising questions about the doctor’s role in the decision-making process.