Glover Teixeira is the UFC light heavyweight champion. At 42 years old, he is living a second youth, but it is clear that the division needs new names to start appearing to look to the future. One of those fighters is Magomed Ankalaev29 years old. The Russian appears this Saturday, in the main event of the UFC Las Vegas 50, with a streak of seven consecutive wins (His only loss was in his UFC debut, in March 2018). A progression to take into account and more after beating Volkan Oezdemir in his last fight. That victory lifted him to sixth place in the ranking. A victory now could bring him closer to the title.
A veteran awaits him who wants one last chance. Thiago Santos, for a long time, he had the most powerful punch of the light heavyweight. He put up a great fight against Jon Jones (he dropped a split decision), but that’s where he fizzled out. A serious knee injury has not allowed him to return to the level he showed against Jones. Of his last four fights, he has only been able to win the last one, and against Johnny Walker, who is also not going through his best moment. His background and that victory keeps him closing the top5 of his weight. He must win if he wants to think about getting back on top.
The fight is vibrant. They both have a great punch (Santos has 68% KO wins and Ankalaev 56%), which can change everything in a second. Despite this, the role of favorite goes to the Russian. Santos has never been the same since his injury, and the drive Ankalaev brings could be key. Against him is that it will be his first time to five rounds, it may be key if he goes long … or not. His rhythm and hardness can be a big slab for ‘Marreta, who is a very tough and strong fighter.. The promise must be confirmed, the veteran does not want to become a catapult. There is shot.
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