ARTICLE AD BOX
Magomed Ankalaev is preparing for what could be a key fight in his career, as he faces Alex Pereira for the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 313 in Las Vegas. The fight is a big one for both fighters, with the winner set to become the new king of the 200-pound division.
A comeback from a difficult time
Ankalaev, a 32-year-old fighter from Dagestan, has reflected on his difficult childhood, talking about how the untimely loss of his father shaped him. “It was the hardest time of my life,” said Ankalaev, who was just 16 when he lost his father. “I became the head of the family, I had to work harder to support my family.”
Being without a father figure while growing up is a big emotional and psychological obstacle for any young man. However, for Magomed Ankalaev, a UFC fighter from Dagestan, this was just another challenge he had to overcome on his way to great success. Losing his father at a young age, when he needed him the most, shaped his character in ways that many cannot even imagine. Despite this tragedy, Ankalaev dreamed of becoming a star. Look at him now!
"That was the hardest time for me, right at the age when a boy needs fatherly support the most. Since the man is the head of the family, it turned out that I became that man."
At 20, Ankalaev found his calling in martial arts, starting to train in combat sambo. “After that, I switched to MMA and that’s when the successes began,” he added.
Despite setbacks in amateur fights, where he lost three times, he soon racked up 18 wins, which earned him a contract with the UFC.
Although his UFC debut ended in a loss, he came back strong, winning nine consecutive victories, which gave him a chance at the title. Although he suffered a split draw in his fight against Jan Blachowicz, his goal remains the same - winning the UFC title.
English (US)