MMA Preview – Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker 2 at UFC Fight Night 234
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MAGOMED ANKALAEV VS JOHNNY WALKER FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 234? Saturday 13th January, 2024 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 234? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Las Vegas (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 234? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 234 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 234? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
MAGOMED ANKALAEV VS JOHNNY WALKER LOWDOWN
Magomed Ankalev (17-1-1(1)) heads to APEX carrying the frustration of his last two fights. He stormed his ways up the rankings with nine straight wins earning a shot at the vacant light heavyweight title. He met Jan Blachowicz (2022) and put on an uncharacteristically limp performance which ended in a draw. Almost a year later, he returned to fight Walker and after landing an illegal knee, the doctor decided that Walker was unable to continue forcing an early end to the fight.
Nobody was more frustrated than Johnny Walker (21-7(1)) who was desperate to continue and extend his winning streak to four. He submitted Ion Cutelaba (2022), knocked out Paul Craig (2023) and outpointed Anthony Smith (2023) before the ‘no contest’. Now, he has another chance to earn the biggest win of his career and stake a claim for a title shot.
MAGOMED ANKALAEV VS JOHNNY WALKER PREDICTION
Ankalaev is an even larger favourite in the rematch. We only saw three minutes of action and the stand-up battle was very competitive. Walker was using his speed and range to fire in leg kicks which were adding up and Anaklaev was beginning to find success with his hands.
The main difference was how comfortable Ankalaev looked when he tied Walker up. He was in control before landing the illegal knee and we feel that experience will have to factor into his game plan this time around.
He should look to set up his takedown with strikes. He is more technical than Walker, but he cannot afford to take any risks as the Brazilian is so explosive and unpredictable. Something he can predict is that Walker will be throwing his thunderous leg kicks again knowing Ankalaev struggles to check them.
That said, those three minutes will be very valuable for the Russian and he will be patient and ready to counter with his check right hook and teep kick from his southpaw stance.
We feel the result will depend on how soon Ankalaev resorts to his grappling. He will be confident he can win the fight standing, but that will leave the door open for Walker. As we expect a lot of this fight to play out on the feet and the fact Walker is a hefty underdog, he holds all the value.
That said, Ankalaev is simply the better all round fighter. If he can close the distance early, he can bag the points or even secure a late knockout. If the unpredictable Walker of old shows up, we can see him shocking Ankalaev early with a missile from range.
Prediction: Ankalaev via Decision
Value Bet: Walker to win
