This is a great test for Ankalaev, who has looked impressive in his fights under the UFC but has only really fought B-tier competition. Santos may be aging, but he’s still got the power and the sheer durability to test Ankalaev in what is sure to be a barn burner.
Thiago Santos: By now, Santos is a known quantity at 205 lbs. He’s a good striker, he’s durable, he has solid wins under his belt, and he can wrestle when he needs to. That being said, he tends to flounder in elite matches, but he occasionally pulls an upset. I expect Santos to try and put the pressure on the untested fighter and find out what Ankalaev’s chin is made of early.
Magomed Ankalaev: A striker from Russia with a wide array of both knockouts and decision wins, Ankalaev has yet to be tested at 205 until now. Against the durable and violent Santos, he’ll need to up his game and show some new levels rather than just steamrolling like he normally does. Look for him to try and cut angles and control distance with his kicks, as well as trying to stay out of the clinch with the much stockier Santos.
Prediction: Ankalaev by Decision. Santos is notorious for being hard to stop but straightforward to beat, and Ankalaev has shown more than enough versatility to do just that.
HOW TO WATCH: Live on ESPN+ PPV on March 12, 2022 at 6:00 PM ET.