Imagine stepping into the octagon with broken ribs, knowing full well you’ve barely trained for nearly six weeks. That’s exactly what Magomed Ankalaev did before his UFC 320 rematch against Alex Pereira—a decision that has sparked intense debate among fans and insiders alike. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it bravery or recklessness? And this is the part most people miss—the behind-the-scenes struggle that led to one of the most shocking knockouts in recent MMA history.
Ankalaev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently shed light on the severity of the fighter’s injuries, revealing just how compromised his condition was leading up to the bout. After claiming the light heavyweight belt from Pereira via decision at UFC 313, Ankalaev suffered a devastating KO in under two minutes during their October rematch. Post-fight reports quickly surfaced about his rib injury, but Abdelaziz’s latest comments paint an even starker picture. According to him, Ankalaev’s ribs were so badly damaged that he couldn’t engage in any meaningful training for nearly 40 days before the fight.
‘He came from Dagestan with messed up ribs,’ Abdelaziz told Submission Radio. ‘He sparred three times, and every single session had to be stopped.’ Despite the injury, Ankalaev pressed on, relying on injections, cortisone, and even stem cell treatments to manage the pain. His training was limited to light conditioning—running, jump rope, and hitting mitts—with virtually no sparring, wrestling, or grappling. ‘He did zero wrestling, zero grappling,’ Abdelaziz emphasized. ‘He was just trying to survive.’
The UFC was aware of Ankalaev’s condition, yet the fight went ahead. This raises a critical question: Why did Ankalaev fight if he was so injured? And why did his team allow it? Abdelaziz admits he begged Ankalaev to withdraw, but the fighter refused. ‘We win together, we lose together,’ he said, adding, ‘But sometimes, when it takes you so many years to become a champion, you feel like you can’t back down.’ Ankalaev’s decision to step into the octagon, despite the risks, was a move to uphold his reputation and honor his commitment to the UFC. ‘He stepped up for the company, and I hope they remember it,’ Abdelaziz added.
Now, the focus shifts to Ankalaev’s future. After such a brutal loss, what’s next for the former champ? Abdelaziz believes Ankalaev is just one fight away from another title shot. ‘He’s 1-1 with Alex,’ he pointed out. ‘Alex did what he had to do, but Ankalaev is still the best in the division.’ He even suggested Carlos Ulberg as the next logical opponent for Ankalaev to prove himself once again. But here’s the real question: Does Ankalaev deserve another shot at the title after such a risky and ultimately unsuccessful fight? Or should he rebuild his case from the ground up?
This story isn’t just about a fighter’s injury—it’s about the pressures of the sport, the sacrifices athletes make, and the tough decisions that define their careers. What do you think? Was Ankalaev’s decision to fight a noble act of perseverance, or a dangerous gamble that backfired? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below.
