In the main event of UFC 313 on March 8, 2025, reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is set to defend his title against top contender Magomed Ankalaev at Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena. Pereira, who has successfully defended his title three times in the past year, exuded confidence during the ceremonial weigh-ins, donning his traditional headdress and asserting his readiness for the challenge.

With 19 victories and just one single loss in his professional MMA career, Ankalaev is currently on a 13-fight win streak—that is if we ignore the draw he had with Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282. This has made the world wonder about the origins of the light heavyweight #1 contender. Today, let’s find out all about Ankalaev’s roots.

Where is Magomedov Ankalaev from? Ethnicity and nationality

Magomed Ankalaev is a proud representative of Russia in the world of mixed martial arts. Born on June 2, 1992, in the village of Teletl, located in the Shamilsky District of Dagestan, Russia, Ankalaev hails from an ethnically Avar background. The Avars are one of the largest ethnic groups in Dagestan, known for their deep-rooted traditions, warrior heritage, and dominance in combat sports.

In terms of nationality, Ankalaev is Russian, representing the country in international MMA competition including his tenure in the UFC. He has carried the Russian flag proudly throughout his career, achieving great success in the light heavyweight division. Despite his global recognition, he remains closely tied to his Dagestani roots, often referencing the values and discipline instilled in him by his upbringing.

Ankalaev traversed the world of mixed martial arts with his eyes set on attaining greatness, the fight fans began connecting him with Khabib Nurmagomedov. After all, they do hail from the same region. But are they actually related? Let’s find out!

Is Magomed Ankalaev related to Khabib Nurmagomedov?

In the world of mixed martial arts, Dagestan has become synonymous with dominance, producing elite fighters who have taken over the sport. Two such names that have made a lasting impact in the UFC are Khabib Nurmagomedov and Magomed Ankalaev. While both fighters hail from the Russian republic of Dagestan and share a background in combat sambo, they are not closely related by family ties. However, they are connected through their roots, training environments, and mutual respect for each other’s careers.

Despite their differences in weight class and training camps—Khabib primarily trained with his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, and the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), while Ankalaev came up through different Dagestani fight teams—the two fighters share a deep respect for each other. Both are devout Muslims and have credited their faith as a guiding force in their career.

Although they have not trained together extensively, Ankalaev has often spoken highly of Khabib’s accomplishments, and Khabib has acknowledged the strength of Dagestani fighters like Ankalaev. With Khabib retired and focused on coaching, Ankalaev continues to carry the Dagestani legacy forward in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, proving that Dagestan’s dominance in MMA is far from over. But what about Magomed Ankalaev’s early life? Let us find out about it below.

More about Ankalaev’s early life & Background

From an early age, Ankalaev displayed a natural inclination toward combat sports, which led him to pursue Greco-Roman wrestling. He dedicated a year to the discipline while studying at Dagestan State University, where he later graduated from the sports faculty. His passion for martial arts extended beyond wrestling, as he soon ventured into combat sambo—a grappling-based discipline that closely mirrors the dynamics of MMA.

Excelling in the sport, Ankalaev earned the prestigious title of Master of Sports in combat sambo, a testament to his skill and dedication. The transition to mixed martial arts felt like a natural step, given the similarities between the two sports, and Ankalaev quickly made a name for himself in the amateur MMA scene. His dominance was undeniable, as he went on to become both the Russian and World Champion in amateur MMA. In recognition of his outstanding performances, the Russian MMA Federation honored him as the 2015 Mixed Martial Artist of Russia.

A devout Muslim, Ankalaev credits his faith for instilling the discipline and perseverance that have shaped his career. He is all set to feature in one of the toughest fights of his career. Do you think he will win his fight against Alex Pereira? Let us know your thoughts in the comment below.