Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker – Fight Preview & Analysis

UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Oliveira 2 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 21, 2023, in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In one of the matchups on the fight card, Magomed Ankalaev will take on Johnny Walker in the Light Heavyweight Bout. You can view the full UFC 294 card.

Ankalaev brings a unique orthodox fighting stance with an 75″ reach. In contrast, Walker, an orthodox fighter, stands with a 82″ reach. These variations in their styles can have a significant impact inside the Octagon.

With a 52% striking accuracy, Ankalaev has shown his precision in landing significant strikes, averaging around 3.55 per minute. On the other hand, Walker boasts a 56% striking accuracy, landing approximately 3.85 significant strikes per minute.

In this post, we will break down Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker matchup. Let’s take a look at the fighter’s ages, their height, records, reach, fight stats, and more below ⤵

The 33-year-old, Magomed Ankalaev is coming in with a 18-1-1 record. Ankalaev will be fighting for the first time since a draw via split decision against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282: Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev in December.

Walker, meanwhile, is coming off a unanimous decision win against Anthony Smith on December 10, 2022, at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Almeida and holds a 21-7-0 record.

Magomed Ankalaev has a orthodox fighting stance with an 75″ reach. The 33-year-old Johnny Walker is an orthodox fighter with a 82″ reach. An orthodox fighter stands with their left side forward and jabs with their left hand. The southpaw fighter is the opposite. Southpaw stands with their right side forward and jabs with their right hand. In most cases, orthodox fighters are right-handed; if you are left-handed, you fight southpaw.

Magomed Ankalaev stats

→ Ankalaev’s striking accuracy is 52%.
→ Ankalaev lands 3.55 significant strikes per minute.
→ Ankalaev’s takedown accuracy is 29%.
→ Ankalaev’s takedown average is 0.99 per 15 minutes.
→ Ankalaev’s takedown defense is 86%.

Ankalaev comes in with 52% striking accuracy, typically landing about 3.55 significant strikes every minute. Conversely, Walker fires at 56% accuracy, landing about 3.85 significant strikes per minute. Magomed Ankalaev also has a 29% takedown accuracy and, on average, gets around 0.99 takedowns every 15 minutes, compared to Walker’s 0.51 takedowns and 60% takedown accuracy.

Johnny Walker stats

→ Walker’s striking accuracy is 56%.
→ Walker lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute.
→ Walker’s takedown accuracy is 100%.
→ Walker’s takedown average is 0.51 per 15 minutes.
→ Walker’s takedown defense is 60%.

Johnny spent, on average, 7:17 minutes in the Octagon, and Magomed has an average fight time of 12:26 minutes.

Considering their records, fighting styles, and recent performances, this matchup looks to be an interesting clash of skills and strategies. Who will come out victorious, Magomed or Johnny? Sound off in the comments.

You can view the scheduled UFC 294 fight card, upcoming UFC schedule 2023, and latest MMA news.