‘I’m ready for the title’ – Redemption for Ankalaev in knockout win over Walker

Magomed Ankalaev delivered a stunning second-round knockout against Johnny Walker at UFC Fight Night 234 in Las Vegas, and is now demanding a light heavyweight title shot.

It took a mere two minutes and 42 seconds for the Russian to apply a telling blow, serving as vindication for a fight that ended in a no contest three months ago.

Ankalaev was penalised in the first round of the initial bout for an accidental illegal knee, but the 31-year-old did not have to wait too long for redemption.

“I was prepared for this fight for a long time,” said Ankalaev via Russian interpreter afterwards.

“I was ready for this fight back [at UFC 294 in October], and I wanted the rematch right away. This is not what is important, though. The most important thing is that I’m ready for the title. Give me the title fight now.”

Ankalaev showed his ruthless streak when landing a devastating right hand to Walker and unleashed a flurry of punches which the Brazilian could not answer, ahead of an inevitable stoppage.

Walker was bloodied and bruised in the aftermath of the fight, with Ankalaev’s follow-up strikes taking its toll on the Brazilian’s nose.

This was the Brazilian’s first defeat since losing to Jamahal Hill in February 2022, while Paul Craig was the last man to beat Ankalaev back on his UFC debut in 2018.

This is Ankalaev’s 11th consecutive victory in the UFC and has now brought himself in contention for a title bout.

Ankalaev v Walker 2 was the main event on a packed card that certainly provided plenty of entertainment on the night.

Miller claims submission win over Benitez

Jim Miller and Gabriel Benitez came head-to-head in a lightweight bout proceeding the main event, with the former claiming his world record extending 26th UFC win.

The American got the job done in round three with a submission, executed with a lock on his back and forcing a tap from the Mexican.

Bautista wins via unanimous decision against Simon

Meanwhile, Mario Bautista won his bantamweight bout against Ricky Simon with a victory by unanimous decision in this all-American affair.

It was a six consecutive win for the 30-year-old, as all three judges scored the fight in his favour.

UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs Walker 2 results

Magomed Ankalaev defeats Johnny Walker by TKO (strikes) at 2:42 of Round 2Jim Miller defeats Gabriel Benitez by submission (neck crank) at 3:25 of Round 3Mario Bautista defeats Ricky Simon by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)Brunno Ferreira defeats Phil Hawes by KO (strikes) at 4:55 of Round 1Waldo Cortes-Acosta defeats Andrei Arlovski by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)Preston Parsons defeats Matthew Semelsberger by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-37, 30-27)Marcus McGhee defeats Gaston Bolanos by TKO (strikes) at 3:29 of Round 2Farid Basharat defeats Taylor Lapilus by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)Jean Silva defeats Westin Wilson by TKO (strikes) at 4:12 of Round 1Nikolas Motta defeats Tom Nolan by TKO (strikes) at 1:03 of Round 1Joshua Van defeats Felipe Bunes by TKO (strikes) at 4:31 of Round 2TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.