Key Stats: 54.7% significant strike accuracy (tied-6th all-time among LHW), 86.4% takedown defense (5th all-time among LHW), 2.14 strikes absorbed per minute (2nd)
What It Means: Ankalaev is a technically proficient striker, and he is precise in his attack. He is powerful and accurate and does not try to force a finish. He has a diverse attack, mixing in front kicks and rangy attacks to mute any countering offense from his opponent. If he decides to mix things up and take the fight to the ground, he has good top control and pressure, which helps him wear on his opponents.
MORE ANKALAEV: Top Finishes | Greatest Hits | Athlete Profile
What to Look For in the Fight: A lot of this fight will be determined by the pace and range and who sets those barometers early. Błachowicz has the reach advantage, so he’d be well served striking from range, and if Ankalaev starts to find success, initiating a clinch to slow the fight down a little bit. For Ankalaev, he has a bit of a blueprint from Glover Teixeira’s win over Błachowicz when the Brazilian took the title off him, which involves patient grappling and working to the finish. Ankalaev has a bit more diversity in his attack than Teixeira, so he could overload Błachowicz before shooting in for a takedown.