UFC 294 in October has received a key light heavyweight contest, as Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker will square off. First reported by ESPN, the bout would be part of the Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira lightweight title fight from Ethiad Arena.
UFC 294: Magomed Ankalaev Vs. Johnny Walker Scheduled
Two fighters with their eyes on the vacant light heavyweight title will square off this fall at UFC 294 when Magomed Ankalaev meets Johnny Walker.
First reported by ESPN, the bout would be part of the October 21 event from Ethiad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The event is set to feature Islam Makhachev defending his lightweight title against former champion Charles Oliveira.
The 31-year-old Ankalaev is 18-1-1 overall and has not lost since a 2018 submission defeat to Paul Craig. This past December, many believed he won the title with a victory over Jan Blachowicz, but the fight was declared a split draw.
Wins over Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos and Volkan Oezdemir moved Ankalaev up the ladder quickly. The loss to Craig came in his promotional debut.
At that time, the championship was vacant, and it is so once again.
Walker as positioned himself with a three-fight win streak, including a recent decision over Smith. He also finished Paul Craig in January and submitted Ion Cutelaba back in September.
Jamahal Hill, who vacated the title due to an injury, was the last fighter to defeat Walker, scoring a first round knockout in the main event of a Fight Night card in Las Vegas.
While Hill recovers, Jiri Prochazka and Alex Pereira are expected to meet for the championship. But as we have learned things can definitely change in mixed martial arts rather quickly.
Rest Of UFC 294’s Fight Card
Along with the title rematch and light heavyweight bout, Paulo Costa is set to meet Khamzat Chimaev and Nassourdine Imavov will square off with Ikram Aliskerov in middleweight affairs.
A flyweight fight featuring Muhammad Mokaev and Tim Elliott is also planned.
This will mark the 18th trip to Abu Dhabi for the promotion and first since UFC 280 last October.
