Count Magomed Ankalaev among those unimpressed by Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr’s efforts at UFC Baku.
The pair of light heavyweight contenders were tasked with closing the show for the UFC’s first-ever visit to Azerbaijan.
Both Hill and Rountree Jr were looking to thrust their names back into the title picture after losses to Alex Pereira in 2024 kept them off the throne at 205 pounds.
It was ultimately ‘The War Horse’ who succeeded in that goal, dropping ‘Sweet Dreams’ multiple times en route to a comfortable decision victory at Baku Crystal Hall.
Magomed Ankalaev unimpressed by Khalil Rountree Jr and Jamahal Hill
In the eyes of many, the UFC Baku main event left a lot to be desired. And among those less than satisfied by what they witnessed in Rountree Jr’s win over Hill was the division’s champion.
Ankalaev appeared on X midway through Saturday’s headliner, as he no doubt watched with a keen eye over a fight that was expected to outline a potential future challenger for him.
But the Dagestani likely has no interest in sharing the cage with either man, given how he reacted to the fight.
“I am falling asleep,” Ankalaev wrote, sharing a similar sentiment to many fans online.
Magomed Ankalaev was unhappy with more than just the Hill vs Rountree Jr fight.
It wasn’t just the in-fight action that had Ankalaev sharing a critical analysis on social media.
The reigning light heavyweight champion also took aim at the pair’s post-fight conversation, which saw referee Herb Dean intervene as the pair exchanged what appeared to be heated words.
Ankalaev took issue with that.
“Bad sportsmanship,” he stated.
The UFC’s debut event in Baku was certainly an up-and-down affair. In addition to a lackluster main event, the card kicked off with seven straight finishes.
There were a number of highlights, however, including a brutal finish for Nazim Sadykhov on home soil and a co-main event victory for Rafael Fiziev that sent those who left the arena before the main event home happy.