Magomed Ankalaev 'abuses' knee kicks, overcomes Anthony Smith at UFC 277 and gets closer to belt

M. Ankalaev in victory in UFC 277. Photo: Reproduction/ Instagram @ufc

He's legit. Favorite on UFC 277, event this Saturday (30), Magomed Ankalayev adopted strategic play, used and abused knee kicks and overcame Anthony Smith by technical knockout in the second round. Thus, the Russian got closer to a chance at the light heavyweight belt (up to 93,9kg).

With the triumph, Ankalaev qualifies for a possible chance to compete for 'gold'. The Russian achieved his ninth consecutive victory, in addition to 18 positive results and one negative result in his career.

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Smith, on the other hand, feels the 'bitter taste' of his 16th defeat in his career in MMA. The North American has 36 triumphs and 16 setbacks.

The fight

Magomed had the first initiative in the fight, after throwing a low kick. Smith responded at the same time and kicked high. The fight continued with striking, with Ankalaev counterpunching the American's actions. The Russian even used low kicks to start developing his standing game. As time went by, the North American began to feel the kicks in his knee and adopted caution with his left leg.

Despite the injury, Smith refused to change base and went for 'all or nothing' in the second round. The North American was surprised and, after getting closer, looked for a takedown near the fence. Ankalaev responded, swept the position and started to strike from the top. Anthony accepted the 'budgets' and could not resist the Russian's power of blows.

UFC 277 results

MAIN CARD (23 p.m. Brasília time)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Amanda nunes derrotou Julianna Pena in the unanimous decision of the judges (50-45, 50-44, 50-43) – Fight for the belt

Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Brandon Moreno derrotou Kai Kara France by technical knockout (punches) at 4:34 of R3 – Fight for the belt

Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Sergei Pavlovich derrotou Derrick Lewis by technical knockout (punches) at 55s of R1

Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Alexandre pantoja derrotou Alex Perez via submission (rear naked choke) at 1m31s of R1

Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Magomed Ankalayev derrotou Anthony Smith by technical knockout at 3:09 of R2

PRELIMINARY CARD (19 p.m. Brasília time)

Welterweight (up to 77kg): alex morono defeated Matt Semelsberger via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Drew dober derrotou rafael alves by knockout at 1m30s of R3

Heavyweight (up to 120,2kg): Hamdy Abdelwahab defeated Don'Tale Mayes in the judges' split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Drakkar Klose derrotou Rafa Garcia in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Welterweight (up to 77kg): Michael Morales defeated Adam Fugitt by technical knockout (punches) at 1:09 of R3

Bantamweight (up to 61,2kg): Joselyne Edwards defeated Ji Yeon Kim in the judges' split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Nicolae Negumereanu derrotou Ihor Potieria by technical knockout (punches) at 3:33 of R2

Welterweight (up to 77kg): Orion Cosce defeated Blood Diamond via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)