The lineup for the UFC’s now-regular fall return to Abu Dhabi continues to build with the addition of a highly anticipated light heavyweight fight.
Magomed Ankalaev (18-1-1 MMA, 9-1-1 UFC) will take on Johnny Walker (21-7 MMA, 7-4 UFC) in what could be a crucial fight for the 205-pound division, which currently is without a champion after Jamahal Hill vacated the title after an Achilles injury. MMA Junkie confirmed the UFC 294 matchup with two people with knowledge of the booking following an initial report from Vestnik MMA. The people asked to remain anonymous because the UFC has not yet made a formal announcement.
UFC 294 takes place Oct. 21 at Etihad Arena in Abud Dhabi. The main card will air on pay-per-view. Although no headliner has been formally announced, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will defend the belt in a rematch with Charles Oliveira on the card, and middleweight contenders Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa have been booked, as well.
Ankalaev lost his UFC debut to Paul Craig in 2018 with 1 second left in the fight. After that, though, he went on a nine-fight winning streak with three post-fight bonuses and fought former champ Jan Blachowicz for the vacant title at UFC 282. Their fight ended in a draw, though, and the belt remained vacant until Hill claimed it – until it became vacant again.
Walker had a rough patch with four losses in five fights, but has bounced back in a big way the past year with three straight wins over Ion Cutelaba, Craig and former title challenger Anthony Smith, which came in May.
With the addition, the UFC 294 lineup now includes:
- Champ Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira – for lightweight title
- Khamzat Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa
- Ikram Aliskerov vs. Nassourdine Imavov
- Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.
