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MAGOMED ANKALAEV VS JOHNNY WALKER FACTS
When is UFC 294? Saturday 21st October, 2023 - 17:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 294? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 294? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 294
What channel is UFC 294 on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC 294? 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 Ankalaev (18-1-1) could have easily got the nod by another judge in his fight with Jan Blachowicz (2022) for the vacant light heavyweight title. The bottom line is that it was a draw and lacklustre performance unworthy of a champion, so he has to work his way back up. It should not take long if he picks his form back up where he went on a nine-fight win streak including decisions over Nikita Krylov (2021) and Thiago Santos (2022) as well as a TKO over Anthony Smith (2022).
Johnny Walker (21-7) is making his own charge for the title which seemed a distant dream after losing a unanimous decision to Santos (2021) and then getting sparked out by Jamahal Hill (2022) who went on to become champion. However, he has notched up three impressive wins since – submitting Ion Cutelaba (2022), knocking out Paul Craig (2023) and outpointing Smith back in May.
MAGOMED ANKALAEV VS JOHNNY WALKER PREDICTION
The light heavyweight title picture is a merry-go-round right now with Jiri Prochazka and Hill earning and relinquishing their titles. The pecking order is unclear, but an impressive performance here will put them right back in the frame.
This is a mouth-watering match-up between two thrilling strikers. Ankalaev is more well-rounded with accomplished sambo in the locker and is more technical everywhere. Walker on the other hand is more explosive and athletic.
He is more composed these days, but his unpredictability would serve him well here. He will not be able to out strike or out grapple Ankalaev. Instead, he needs to keep him guessing and be aggressive with his calf kicks from range and elbows in the pocket.
If Walker can put everything together, he is always a threat. However, his chin is a worry and Ankalaev has the skill to find it with any limb. Walker is always worth a punt when he is a hefty underdog, but the Russian is too skilful and technical to back against him.
Prediction: Ankalaev via KO/TKO
Value bet: Walker to win