Magomed Ankalaev has a 21-1-1 MMA record. Now, our Dagestani light heavyweight champion faces the ‘boring’ accusations just like most of the fighters from that region. That is why the two ‘1’s in his record might be of far more interest to you than the ’21.’ It gets even more interesting when you realise the one ‘L’ on that record could have remained at bay over a second’s difference!

While many Dagestani fighters rely on relentless pressure and grappling, Ankalaev takes a different path: a striking-first philosophy. The Russian star blends crisp stand-up skills with a solid foundation in Sambo and Greco-Roman wrestling, making him as dangerous on his feet as he is on the mat.  That dominance was on full display at UFC 313, where he decisively dethroned former champion Alex Pereira in a one-sided affair. So, how is it that Ankalaev’s only official defeat came at the hands of Paul Craig?

Breaking down Magomed Ankalaev’s only loss to Paul Craig

Magomed Ankalaev stormed onto the UFC scene in 2018, carrying an unblemished nine-fight win streak from the regional circuits, including five knockouts and four decision victories, boasting a staggering 91% finish rate. His performance against veteran Paul Craig stood true to his reputation, until…

Inside the cage, Magomed Ankalaev commanded the action, beating Craig from pillar to post. He landed 59 of 96 significant strikes at 61.46% accuracy and dominated the Octagon, controlling the action for 6 minutes and 43 seconds, far outpacing Paul Craig’s 1 minute and 47 seconds. Meanwhile, ‘Bearjew’ managed two takedowns out of seven attempts, the only cracks in Ankalaev’s armor that night.

However, Paul Craig turned the tide in the dying moments. He endured the Russian phenom’s onslaught and, with the clock nearly expired in the third round, locked in a triangle choke and forced the tap with just one second remaining. Ultimately, the submission not only became the latest finish in a three-round UFC fight but also handed Ankalaev his first loss, creating one of the sport’s most stunning upsets.

Paul Craig’s MMA & UFC career, record, stats & more

Even though Paul Craig stunned the MMA world by submitting Magomed Ankalaev, he has largely carved out his career as a battle-hardened journeyman. Emerging from the European scene and fighting out of Scotland, ‘Bearjew’ built a formidable resume, going undefeated with an eight-fight win streak in regional promotions like BAMMA. In 2016, he cracked the UFC door with a victory over Henrique de Silva.

Since then, Paul Craig’s journey has swung between highs and lows. He suffered tough defeats against stars like Khalil Rountree Jr., Brendan Allen, Bo Nickal, and Caio Borralho. However, he also claimed shocking victories over big names and future champions, including Magomed Ankalaev, Jamahal Hill, and UFC veteran Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua. Despite these triumphs, the climb came with a heavy toll.

Reflecting on his bout with Ankalaev, Paul Craig said: “For almost 14 minutes, he imposed his will on me. He was very explosive, very strong, and I remember at one point, he picked me up in a wrestling takedown and he sat me down like a father laying down a baby. I had a hole in my jaw underneath my chin where he’d clocked me. He’d fractured ribs. He’d basically beaten me up and for the next two days, I couldn’t walk because he destroyed my legs and destroyed my arms.”

After suffering his tenth UFC loss (fourth on the trot) at UFC Paris against Modestas Bukaukas, Paul Craig finally said goodbye to the promotion last month.

Magomed Ankalaev’s near-perfect MMA record

Magomed Ankalaev currently stands as the light heavyweight champion—a reward for years of grit, perseverance, and unwavering focus. However, the Russian powerhouse did not reach the top easily. Early in his UFC journey, he faced language barriers and fought against the promotion’s hesitation to give him a title shot. Eventually, he earned his first shot at the gold at UFC 282 against Jan Blachowicz for the vacant belt in 2022. The fight ended in a split draw, leaving the light heavyweight division in flux after Jon Jones’ exit, and fans craving a decisive winner.

Although he did not claim the title at the time, Magomed Ankalaev used the experience to fuel his determination. After the four fights that followed over the next two years, the promotion gave him another title shot—against Alex Pereira. ‘Big Ank’ had to bide his time and get sidelined for lower-ranked Khalil Rountree Jr. before he became the inevitable choice. So, he knew he had to make it count.

Ankalaev executed his plan flawlessly. He dismantled Pereira with precise striking and dominant stand-up, thereby cementing himself as one of the division’s most formidable forces.

Now, this weekend at UFC 320, Ankalaev defends his crown in a rematch against Pereira. Can he repeat the same calculated dominance and maintain his reign, or will the challenger rise to reclaim the throne? Drop your predictions below.