Magomed Ankalaev finishes Johnny Walker with punches

The UFC kicked off their 2024 event schedule on Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas with a pairing between Top 10 ranked light heavyweights headlining the fight card.  Third ranked Magomed Ankalaev faced seventh ranked Johnny Walker in a rematch.  

The two first fought at UFC 294 last October.  The fight ended in a no contest after Ankalaev accidentally landed an illegal knee that rendered Walker unable to continue.  

Walker landed a leg kick and pressed forward.  Ankalaev connected with a right hand.  Walker continued to pressure Ankalaev in the early going.  They exchanged leg kicks.  Walker made Ankalaev miss with a few left hands.  As the round wore on, Ankalaev began to move forward.  He accidentally landed a kick to the groin of Walker.  Walker was given time to recover and the fight resumed.

Ankalaev landed front kicks to the body while Walker continued to deliver leg kicks.  

In the second frame, Ankalaev came out more aggressive.  Both men employed a kick heavy attack.  Ankalaev landed to the body.  Walker circled on the outside until he got caught with a right hand that send him crashing to the canvas.  Ankalaev connected with a follow up shot that left no doubt.  

The score has been settled 😤

Magomed Ankalaev puts an end to this one with a second round KO! #UFCVegas84 pic.twitter.com/Z2fnsp3N4i

— UFC (@ufc) January 14, 2024