The Showdown: Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker in the Light Heavyweight Bout
Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker declared no contest
The Light Heavyweight Bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker was one of the most anticipated fights at UFC 2941. Both fighters are top contenders in the light heavyweight division, with Ankalaev looking to rebound from an unsuccessful shot at the vacant title, and Walker aiming to extend his four-fight winning streak2.
Full fight highlights. pic.twitter.com/iNpJXUi7Oc
— CLIPS (@yourclipss) October 21, 2023
Detailed Analysis of Round (Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker)
Round 1
The bout commenced with both fighters in their respective stances, Ankalaev in southpaw and Walker in orthodox. Walker initiated the round with a leg kick, a strategic move considering Ankalaev’s previous fight with Jan Blachowicz where he suffered significant damage from leg kicks. Despite this, Ankalaev’s precise striking skills allowed him to land successful hits as they fought in a fairly neutral position.
Around two minutes into the round, Ankalaev landed a powerful knee that caused Walker to double over. However, Walker was merely feigning injury as he launched into a flying knee when Ankalaev advanced. In retaliation, Ankalaev executed a takedown maneuver, gaining a dominant position against the fence.
As Walker attempted to stand up, Ankalaev landed a knee to his head. However, one of Walker’s knees was still on the ground at the time, making it an illegal strike. The referee paused the fight and called for the ringside physician to examine the cut above Walker’s eye.
The Controversial Decision (Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker)
After a brief examination, it was reported that the referee had asked Walker simple questions like what round it was and what country he was in, to which Walker had difficulty responding. After consulting with the doctor, the referee decided to stop the fight.
The bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker has been called a no contest after Walker was deemed unable to continue due to an illegal knee from Ankalaev. #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/Mvy6NwaDso
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 21, 2023
Walker initially did not realize that the fight had been stopped and tried to continue fighting with Ankalaev. Ankalaev seemed willing to continue but security intervened and held them back.
The Aftermath
The decision led to tense moments as UFC President Dana White entered the cage, something he rarely does following such incidents. He quickly calmed Walker down as Bruce Buffer announced the final “No Contest” decision.
The bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker was officially declared a no contest due to an illegal knee from Ankalaev. It was an unfortunate end to what could have been an exciting fight, leaving no one satisfied with the outcome.
What’s Next?
It remains uncertain whether there will be a rematch following Saturday’s controversy. However, given that both fighters were ready to continue after the fight had been stopped, it is likely that this fight will be rescheduled in the near future.
It’s unclear if a rematch will result from Saturday’s controversy, but Ankalaev vs. Walker was an important fight for the light heavyweight division1. Both fighters were ready to throw down after the fight had been called, so expect this fight to happen again in the near future3.
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