The Criticism from Dillashaw
TJ Dillashaw, the former UFC bantamweight champion, did not hold back when assessing Magomed Ankalaev's performance after his recent win over Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi. Speaking on the 'JAXXON Podcast,' Dillashaw openly criticized Ankalaev for delivering what he called a dull and unexciting fight, something he feels has become a recurring issue for the light heavyweight throughout his UFC career. Dillashaw made it clear that Ankalaev's style is predictable and passive, and in his opinion, that has led to a lackluster experience for the fans.
Dillashaw specifically pointed out that Guskov did not implement a game plan that could challenge Ankalaev's approach. Guskov stood at distance and allowed Ankalaev to dictate the pace, which is a fatal flaw, in Dillashaw's view. He urged fighters to take a page from the book of Alex Pereira, who changed the dynamic in his rematch with Ankalaev. Pereira's proactive strategy led to a decisive victory, and Dillashaw believes that if others are to beat Ankalaev, they must adopt a similar aggressive, forward-moving approach.
How to Beat Ankalaev, According to Dillashaw
Dillashaw emphasized that the key to success against Ankalaev lies in disrupting his rhythm and forcing him into unfamiliar territory. He pointed to Pereira’s second fight against Ankalaev as the perfect example of what works: pushing forward, pressuring Ankalaev, and preventing him from picking his shots. Dillashaw argued that standing at range and letting Ankalaev control the fight is a guaranteed path to defeat. Instead, fighters must take the initiative and take the fight to him, even if it carries some risk.
“You can’t let him fight his fight,” Dillashaw said. “You got to put the pressure on him.” He explained that while aggressive tactics require more courage and strategy, they are far better than sitting back and watching the clock tick down during another uneventful loss. Dillashaw's message is clear: to beat Ankalaev, you need to break his pattern and take control.
Ankalaev’s Path Forward
Despite the criticism, there is no denying that Ankalaev walked out of the octagon as the victor over Guskov, and that means he is on track for another high-profile fight. With UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg sidelined until 2027 due to a season-ending ACL injury, the rest of the division has to remain active to keep the momentum going. Ankalaev is no exception, and his next opponent will likely be someone who can provide a significant challenge.
Ankalaev has already expressed interest in fighting Paulo Costa, who recently showcased his potential with a stunning knockout win at UFC 327. Costa's performance was a bright spot for the division, and a matchup with him would give Ankalaev a real test. Another possible option is Jiri Prochazka, the former UFC light heavyweight title challenger known for his electrifying fights. A matchup between the two would almost certainly be anything but boring, which aligns with what the fans want and what Dillashaw has been urging fighters to create.
Ultimately, whether it's Costa or Prochazka, Ankalaev is expected to step into the octagon again by the end of the year. The UFC matchmakers will determine who gets the next opportunity, but one thing is clear: fans are hungry for a more dynamic performance from one of the division's top contenders.