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Should Ankalaev Move Up To Heavyweight?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Oct 4, 2025 10:10 AM ET

Magomed Ankalaev, the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, has potentially set his sights on becoming a two-division champ with a move up to heavyweight.

Ankalaev is currently scheduled to rematch Alex Pereira at UFC 320 this weekend, having already defeated the Brazilian in his last fight at UFC 313 to win the belt. After both sides accused each other of ducking, the pair will now have the chance to settle the rivalry once and for all, with Alex claiming he will win, thus ruling out a third fight.

Ankalaev has stated that he will have “a couple or three more fights” defending his light heavyweight belt before considering a move up to heavyweight. A belt in a second weight class puts Ankalaev alongside the big names, who have also done this, like Conor McGregor and Jon Jones.

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Ankalaev’s ultimate goal would be heavyweight champion, a belt currently held by Tom Aspinall. Aspinall’s incredible speed, boxing, and grappling against Ankalaev’s masterful control and durability would be an intriguing match-up. If Ankalaev were to maintain his 205-pound speed and defense while adding the necessary power and mass for 265 pounds, he could pose a serious stylistic problem for the champion.

Another prime target for Ankalaev would be Ciryl Gane. Ankalaev’s Dagestani-style wrestling and sharp counter-striking would clash with Gane’s footwork and evasive striking game. Gane, known for his speed and movement, has struggled most against elite wrestling, which is Ankalaev’s strongest asset.

Elsewhere, fighters like Sergei Pavlovich and Curtis Blaydes serve as the perfect gatekeepers. Pavlovich presents a test of durability, possessing some of the fastest and most devastating knockout power in the sport. Blaydes, meanwhile, is the division’s top pure wrestler, offering a litmus test to see if Ankalaev can secure takedowns and maintain top control against a naturally larger, world-class grappler. However, Ankalaev must get past Pereira first.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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