UFC Fight Night Santos vs. Ankalaev Preview, Odds, Prediction

The UFC Fight Night brings the clash between Thiago Santos and Magomed Ankalaev. This is one of the light heavyweight bouts that could greatly impact the entire division. Why? Well, Santos was already a challenger, the one that pushed Jon Jones to the brink. After that, his career headed downhill, and a strong bounce-back is needed. Ankalaev is the next big thing in the UFC, and so far the unstoppable force in the division, who wants to take down one big name and make himself the next contender for the title.

Preview

Thiago Santos (+400) is a huge underdog in this one. Yet, some three years ago, the Maretta was arguably the best fighter in the division. Literally. To be honest, we don’t believe that Jones won at the UFC 239. It’s our personal opinion, and nobody can change it.

Though, brutal injuries on his knees and legs from that bout took a massive toll on his career. Santos had to undergo a few surgeries and he isn’t as powerful and explosive as before with his legs. And if you remember, the Brazilian was a pure killer at his best.

Since losing to Jones, he would suffer a defeat to Teixeira via submission and after that to Aleksandar Rakic via unanimous decision. His only victory came in October against Johnny Walker, but his fellow compatriot is not an elite in this division, which is why we can’t praise Santos that much for this success. It was a unanimous decision, by the way.

Magomed Ankalaev (-600) lost only one match in his career, and that was on his UFC debut against Paul Craig. After that, he went on to win in seven bouts in a row, taking down some pretty respectable names during that stretch. Among others, Ion Cutelaba twice, Nikita Krylov and Volkan Oezdemir in the most recent event.

The previous two bouts were after unanimous decisions, while the fights with Cutelaba ended with his KO triumphs. Despite what many believe, the Russian had nine KO wins and six first-round finishes, which needs to be respected.

Ankalaev is a fierce wrestler who has solid KO power in his hands. He is also very, very endurable, though we’ve never seen him going full five rounds, which is why some analysts have reserves towards him. The inexperience might be problematic in these bouts, but if you want to be the champion, you have to evolve.

Prediction

Santos’ physical abilities are questionable. His hands are still mighty, but the movement, explosiveness and kicks are a bit weaker than before. He did make certain improvements in wrestling and grappling, but we are more than sure that Ankalaev is much, much better in that aspect of the fight. The only factor on his side is experience, but to be honest, we don’t think that it will help him. Raw power and pure athleticism are on the Russian’s side, and we believe that sooner or later, he will take the fight down to the ground and control the situation. So the final pick is Ankalaev via KO. Ground and pound will do the job in the end.

Pick: Ankalaev KO