Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker 2: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker headline the first UFC card of 2024 in a rematch of their October 2023 clash in Abu Dhabi. The first clash ended in a No Contest following an accidental illegal knee from Ankalaev that rendered Walker unable to continue. The top ten light heavyweights have been handed another opportunity to decide who will go on to fight the new 205-pound king, Alex Perreira. Former Light heavyweight challenger Magomed Ankalaev of Russia is a massive favorite ahead of UFC Fight Night 234 on January 14.

MMA: UFC Light Heavyweight 

Venue: UFC Apex, Las Vegas

Where to watch: ESPN+

Date: 14.01.2024. 05.30

The Dagestan State University alum comes into this headliner after two consecutive inconclusives. A draw against Jan Blachowicz for the vacant light heavyweight title in late 2022 was followed by a No Contest against Johnny Walker last October. Making his promotional debut in March 2018, the well-decorated amateur mixed martial artist lost to Paul Craig via a submission. Magomed Ankalaev followed that uncharacteristic loss by posting the second-longest win streak in UFC light heavyweight history, with nine consecutive victories. Ankalaev’s UFC resume includes wins over Thiago Santos, Nikita Krylov, and Ion Cutelaba.

• Age: 31
• Height: 6’ 3”
• Reach: 75”
• Weight: 205 Ibs
• Record: 17-1-2 (1NC, 1 Draw)

The 31-year-old Brazilian is on a good run of form coming into the first fight after consecutive wins over Ion Cutelaba, Paul Craig, and Anthony Smith. The previous date against Magomed Ankalev was Johnny Walker’s third fight of 2023. A Dana White alum, Johnny Walker made his UFC debut with a first-round knockout of Khalili Rountree in November 2018. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Johnny Walker now fights out of Dublin, Ireland, and is a member of the SBG Ireland team.

• Age: 31
• Height: 6’ 5”
• Reach: 82”
• Weight: 205 Ibs
• Record: 21-7-1 (1NC)

Johnny Walker is a 4.80 underdog on Bet365. 1XBET prices No to the start of round two at 2.75. On Betwinner, the No to the start of round three is 1.71 odds, while the yes is 2.11.