There isn’t much higher praise a UFC fighter can hope for than that of all-time-great fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Magomed Ankalaev received that by defeating Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 313 to secure the light heavyweight throne. ‘Big Ank poked and prodded at ‘Poatan’ for five rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory. The Brazilian champion had nothing on his feet and had to defend takedowns across 25 minutes.
In light of his victory, ‘The Eagle’ Nurmagomedov has given some words of endearment to Ankalaev, much to the pleasure of the newly minted champion.
Magomed Ankalaev thanks Khabib Nurmagomedov for ‘beginning the way’ for Russian fighters
Following his victory at UFC 313, Khabib Nurmagomedov congratulated Ankalaev in a message on X, reading, “Congratulations brother [Ankalaev] you made history. It was an amazing performance against a very tough opponent.”
Ankalaev replied in a message on March 9, thanking Nurmagomedov.
“Thank you my brother, you began the way for us,” Ankalaev wrote.
Nurmagomedov pioneered Russian martial arts and inspired many fighters from Eastern Europe, especially those from the Caucasus mountains. Nurmagomedov retired in 2020 following a victory over Justin Gaethje, and has continued his legacy vicariously through his students Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov.
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Magomed Ankalaev insults light heavyweight contenders after UFC 313
Ankalaev’s victory has been polarizing for the MMA community, with an even split among fans liking or disliking the new champion. The same can be said for Ankalaev’s post-fight comments, as the Russian fighter has dished out respects and insults to everyone willing to collect.
Ankalaev criticized Khalil Rountree Jr. for having his head in his hands during the UFC 313 main event, remarking, “Khalil bum tree upset I beat his daddy. Let’s go Jamahal.”
Ankalaev also slammed Jiri Prochazka for calling him out for a fight, labeling him a “fraud.”
“I think you are a fraud and so many guys deserve it [title shot] more than you, you need to go win some fights.”
Other than Carlos Ulberg, Prochazka is the only active top-ranked light heavyweight coming off of a win, and a high caliber one at that over Jamahal Hill.