:strip_icc()/i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_bc8228b6673f488aa253bbcb03c80ec5/internal_photos/bs/2022/Y/e/wkIjAMSpuIjhuyjurbvw/gettyimages-1384690758.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1)
Russian Magomed Ankalaev took a big step towards a title fight in the UFC this Saturday. In the main event in Las Vegas, the sixth-placed light heavyweight took few risks towards a convincing unanimous decision victory (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) over Brazilian Thiago “Marreta” Santos, former number 1 challenger. It was the eighth consecutive victory for Ankalaev, who has only one setback in 18 professional MMA fights.
–
–
Magomed Ankalaev has his arm raised after beating Thiago Marreta — Photo: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images
– –
The Russian did so without taking too many risks. As in his previous fight against Johnny Walker, Sledge was cautious and waited a long time to attack for much of the match. Despite many feints and study, he struggled to find the spaces to attack and land his punches against his left-handed opponent. This allowed Ankalaev to control the fighting space and score with low kicks and straight punches.
–
When Sledge released the game, the Russian was faster at dodging and countering for most of the combat. That’s how he swayed the carioca’s legs in the first round, with a right hook to the chin over the opponent’s left hook.
–
Marreta’s best weapon in the fight was the low kick, which hit Ankalaev’s right thigh from the outside multiple times and left a red mark in the region. He also caused his shin bleed with one of those kicks in the last round.
–
–
Magomed Ankalaev (right) lands a right hook on Thiago Marreta (left) — Photo: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images
– –
But it was a left overhand in the final stretch of the second round that brought Marreta’s best moment in the fight. The blow caught the cap on Ankalaev’s head, and he fell back. The Brazilian jumped over and tried to define the fight on ground and pound, but the Russian hid his head well in the short time Marreta had on top.
–
Another good moment for the Brazilian was at the beginning of the fourth round, when he came in determinedly and attacked with crosses. Ankalaev recoiled in fright and Sledge scraped past with a flying knee. However, the Russian recovered, regained control of the Octagon, took down the Brazilian using his wrestling in the final minute and held him to the ground. In the fifth and final round, Ankalaev nailed the opponent to the grid for much of the period and hit knees to the body and legs to show activity.
–
–
Thiago Marreta (right) attempts a high front kick against Magomed Ankalaev (left) — Photo: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images
– –
After the fight, Ankalaev asked for a title shot, but did not challenge him and said that this opportunity “depends on the UFC”.
–
Marreta suffered his fourth defeat in the last five fights. He underwent surgery on both knees and was out for more than a year after the first setback in this sequence, in the title fight against then champion Jon Jones.
–
UFC Marreta vs Ankalaev
March 12, 2022, in Las Vegas (USA)
CARD PRINCIPAL
Magomed Ankalaev won Thiago Marreta by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
Song Yadong defeated Marlon Moraes by knockout at 2:06 of R1
Sodiq Yusuff defeated Alex Caceres via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Khalil Rountree defeated Karl Roberson by TKO at 25s of R2
Drew Dober defeated Terrance McKinney by TKO at 3:17 of R1
Alex Poatan defeated Bruno Blindado by unanimous decision (30-27 triple)
CARD PRELIMINAR
Matthew Semelsberger defeated AJ Fletcher via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
JJ Aldrich defeated Gillian Robertson via unanimous decision (30-27 treble)
Javid Basharat defeated Trevin Jones via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Damon Jackson defeated Kamuela Kirk by submission at 4:42 of R2
Miranda Maverick defeated Sabina Mazo via submission at 2:15 of R2
Cody Brundage defeated Dalcha Lungiambula by submission at 3:41 of R1
Guido Cannetti defeated Kris Moutinho by TKO at 2:07 of R1
Azamat Murzakanov defeated Tafon Nchukwi by knockout at 44s of R3
–
UFC returns to London and you can only watch it live in the fight!
– –
