Magomed Ankalaev aims to ramp up media presence since 'to be a great fighter is not enough'

Magomed Ankalaev will look to increase his media presence in pursuit of another UFC title shot.

Ankalaev (18-1-1 MMA, 9-1-1 UFC) failed to capture the vacant light heavyweight title when he battled Jan Blachowicz to a split draw in the UFC 282 main event – a fight he thought the judges robbed him of.

Instead of getting to run things back with Blachowicz, both men were snubbed out of the title picture when the promotion opted to book Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill for the vacant belt in the UFC 283 headliner on Jan. 21. According to Ankalaev, the UFC has asked him to promote himself better and that’s what he plans on doing.

“Hi everyone, this is my American account. To be a great fighter is not enough to get my title, I have to become a media active too. @UFC is asking for it, and I will do it.”

Hi everyone, this is my American account. To be a great fighter is not enough to get my title, I have to become a media active too. @UFC is asking for it, and I will do it. pic.twitter.com/AgWdflC4HI

— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) December 28, 2022

Ankalaev was visibly upset with the outcome of his fight against Blachowicz and vowed not to fight in Las Vegas again. But his biggest takeaway is to no longer let the judges decide his fate.

“It has been a learning experience. I am not asking for handouts. I am moving forward and I will not leave it up to judges anymore. 2023: I will get the belt

It has been a learning experience. I am not asking for handouts. I am moving forward and I will not leave it up to judges anymore. 2023: I will get the belt

— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) December 26, 2022

Ankalaev is currently riding a 10-fight unbeaten streak, which includes wins over Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos, Volkan Oezdemir and Nikita Krylov.