Ankalaev vs. Walker

The UFC returns for the first time in 2024 on January 13th live from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The main event is set to feature the number 3 ranked light- heavyweight in the world, Magomed Ankalaev and 7th ranked Johnny Walker. The card also features plenty of exciting bouts including UFC legend Jim Miller, the #6 ranked flyweight Manel Kape, and much more. The prelims are set to begin at 4 ET and the main card beginning at 7ET.

Main Event

    The UFC's first headliner of the 2024 season kicks off with an anticipated rematch in what many view as a number 1 contenders fight. When Magomed Akalaev and Johnny Walker squared off back in October at UFC 294, they look destined to have the winner cement themself as the next challenger to the UFC light heavyweight crown. However, the decision ended in an unfortunate no contest when Ankalaev illegally kneed Walker in the head when he had both of his hands on the floor. It was a brutal shot, but many believe that Walker got lucky as he was getting beat pretty bad. He complained that he was okay to continue but the doctor ruled him "too concussed." The two seemed to have plenty of bad blood after and there was no doubt that these two would rematch and finally settle the score.

    The two 31-year-old fighters have had very different paths to get where they currently are. Johnny Walker has always been a fan favorite known for his vibe that he brings to the octogen, but the Brazil native has had many impressive wins in his career including 3 straight ranked wins before the no contest in October. He has the best of his career ahead of him but wasn't looking great in the first bout against Magomed. This rematch doesn't help Walker either because most of his "surprise attacks" will be expected this time around. This will also be a five round fight instead of three which is important to note because Ankalaev has the advantage in cardio. Magomed Ankalaev has a near flawless resume with only a few blemishes. The Russian has 17 wins with his only loss coming back in 2018. He challenged for the title back in 2022 against Jan Blachowicz where most thought he did enough to win, but ultimately lost out on the title due to a draw. The two are very talented mixed martial artists that both poses the power to knock each other out. However, Ankalaev is a huge favorite in this. With a win, he would certainly get a title shot later in 2024.

Other Fights

• Manel Kape vs. Matheus Nicolau: Manel Kape made a name for himself at UFC 293 when he called out Israel Adesanya, but he certainly backed it up to pick up his 4th straight win the following night. Now he will look for revenge when he faces the last man to beat him in 2021. Nicolau has a great resume with only 3 losses, but many believe he will struggle this time around a more mature Manel Kape. Kape is a much quicker striker with powerful hands, but if Nicolau can turn this into a wrestling match, it's very possible we see the upset.

• Jim Miller vs. Gariel Benitez: Jim Miller will step into the UFC octogen for the 43rd time in his illustrious career. He already holds the UFC record for most fights and most wins in history, but now he's faced with a Mexican striker who has had a very up and down UFC career. The long-time veteran Miller is the favorite and with a win he could look to get a quick turnaround for the monumental UFC 300 card.

• Mario Bautista vs. Ricky Simon: This bantamweight battle will feature two very fun and versatile fighters who love to move forward with punches, kicks, and takedown attempts. Ricky Simon looks to bounce back after a loss to rising star Song Yadong in his last trip to the ring. He was on a huge win streak and looks to start a new one against Bautista who is on a long streak himself. Bautista comes in as the underdog, but both of these 135ers have the tricks in their bag to finish this fight.

Best Bets

In this section we will look at the best bets from our safest plays to the hottest takes for the upcoming card. (All odds via ESPN Bet)

• Tom Nolan to Win (-370): The second fight of the night features undefeated Australian striker Tom Nolan. He will be making his UFC debut against Nikolas Motta who seems like is being fed to the lion here. Nolan has the potential to be a star and it seems like the UFC knows that. It feels like a lock that they start him easy, and he gets the win.

• Manel Kape to Win (-220): Manel Kape is simply the quicker and more powerful puncher. He has shown improvements on the ground and takedown defense, but ultimately, he should put on a clinic on the feet. 

• Magomed Ankalaev by first round KO (+230): Ankalaev is clearly the better fighter, and it feels like he's ready to make a statement. He was beating Walker pretty badly in the first fight and with what he was able to learn from those first few minutes, he should have a gameplan set to finish this one quickly.

            All three of these parlayed together comes to odds of +510.

In the News

UFC 300 Coming Along

    Dana White recently announced some new fights that will be on the companies 300th card set for this April. Lightweights (#1) Charles Olivera and (#4) Arman Tsarukyan are set to fight in a #1 contender fight in order to face champion and the P4P best fighter in the world Islam Makachev next. Charles is one of the biggest stars in the organization and this will most likely be the fight that opens the main card for the event. There is plenty of intrigue as both men have lost to Makachev in the past.

    The next day White announced the first title fight on the card, Chinese champion Zhang Weli will defend her 115 lb. belt in the first ever Chinese champion fight against Yan Xiaonan. A lot of people are disappointed in the fight due to speculation there would be a fight for Weli against 125 lb champion Alexa Grasso in a champ vs. champ fight. This should be a great fight as both women are on huge win streaks and love plenty of action.

The Mac is Back... at 185?

    The UFC's biggest star and former two division champion, Connor McGregor, released a video saying his return to the octogen from injury would be in June against #5 Michael Chandler. There was plenty of speculation he would fight Chandler so there isn't much surprise there. However, at the end of the video he said the fight would take place at 185 lbs... a 40-pound difference from the weight he won his first title. A lot have questioned if that's real or not, but the UFC is yet to comment on anything McGregor has said. It would be very strange but both fighters have said they would consider 185 in past interviews. Hopefully we get confirmation soon as the world waits for the return.