- UFC 294: Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker
- Location: Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023
The highly anticipated showdown between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker will take place at UFC 294 on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Currently, Ankalaev is favored at -375, while Walker is the underdog at +285.
Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker Odds
Magomed Ankalaev -375
Johnny Walker +285
Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
Magomed Ankalaev, with a record of 18-1-1, is set to enter the Octagon. This 31-year-old fighter weighs 205 lbs and stands tall at 6’3″. He is an orthodox fighter with a reach of 75″. On the other side, Johnny Walker, also 31 years old, measures 6’6″ and competes in the 205 lbs weight class. He holds a record of 21-7-0 and possesses an 82″ arm span. In terms of significant strikes, Ankalaev connects with an average of 3.55 per minute, while Walker lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute. Ankalaev has an accuracy of 52% compared to Walker’s 56%. When it comes to defense, Ankalaev takes 2.15 significant strikes per minute and Walker allows 2.58. Ankalaev shows a 59% defense rate, while Walker deflects 46% of the significant strikes thrown at him.
| Event | Magomed Ankalaev | Johnny Walker |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Odds | -340 | +270 |
| Record | 18-1-1 | 21-7-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 12:26 | 7:17 |
| Height | 6’3″ | 6’6″ |
| Weight | 205 lbs | 205 lbs |
| Reach | 75″ | 82″ |
| Strikes Landed Per Minute | 3.55 | 3.85 |
| Striking Accuracy | 52% | 56% |
In terms of takedowns, Magomed Ankalaev has the advantage with an average of 0.99 takedowns per 3 rounds. He successfully completes takedowns on 29% of his attempts and defends against 86% of takedowns attempted by his opponents. On the other hand, Johnny Walker has a takedown success rate of 85% and successfully defends against 60% of his opponents’ takedown attempts. When it comes to submission attempts, Ankalaev attempts 0.7 submissions per 15 minutes, while Walker goes for 1.0 submission per 3 rounds.
In their most recent fights, Magomed Ankalaev faced Jan Blachowicz and the bout ended in a draw by way of split decision in round 5. Blachowicz landed 79 of 141 total strikes thrown, while Ankalaev connected with 191 of 312 total strikes. In terms of significant strikes, Blachowicz landed 55 of 117, resulting in a 47% accuracy rate. Ankalaev landed 78 of 184 significant strikes, with a 42% accuracy. 90% of Blachowicz’s significant strikes and 64% of Ankalaev’s significant strikes were landed at a distance.
In Johnny Walker’s last Octagon appearance, he faced Anthony Smith and secured a victory by unanimous decision in round 3. Walker had 100% accuracy in significant strikes thrown at a distance, while Smith connected on 88% of his significant strikes from distance. Walker landed 92 of 192 significant strikes attempted, resulting in a 47% accuracy rate. His significant strikes to the head were 32 of 117. Smith landed 38 of 92 significant strikes, with 19 of them aimed at the head. Smith landed 41 of 95 total strikes, while Walker connected with 99 of 204 total strikes.
Other Exciting Bouts to Watch
Another thrilling match to keep an eye on is the face-off between Ikram Aliskerov and Warlley Alves. Aliskerov, with a record of 14-1-0, weighs in at 185 lbs and stands at 6’0″. He is a southpaw fighter with a reach of 76″. Alves, an orthodox fighter, stands at 5’11” and competes in the 185 lbs weight class. He holds a record of 15-6-0 and has a reach of 72″. In terms of takedowns, Aliskerov averages 3.47 takedowns per 15 minutes, while Alves scores 1.37 takedowns per 3 rounds. Aliskerov has an impressive striking average of 6.25 strikes per minute, with a 60% striking accuracy. On the flip side, Alves lands 3.21 strikes per minute with a 47% striking accuracy.
