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Newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev has broken his silence after receiving high praise from an iconic compatriot. Following his stunning victory over defending titleholder Alex Pereira at UFC 313, Ankalaev’s phone lit up with congratulatory messages—but one stood out: a heartfelt note from former UFC lightweight king Khabib Nurmagomedov. The Dagestani legend, who reshaped MMA with his own unbeaten legacy, hailed Ankalaev for “making history” in a social media post.
Now, the fresh-faced champ has responded, offering a poignant nod to Khabib’s influence. His reply? A tribute steeped in respect and regional pride.
Ankalaev’s heartfelt nod to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy”
Magomed Ankalaev’s UFC 313 showdown with Alex Pereira wasn’t just a fight—it was a masterclass in strategy. For five rounds, the Dagestani contender dismantled Pereira’s striking threat with surgical precision, blending takedown defense and calculated strikes to claim a unanimous decision win. While the victory crowned him the new light heavyweight king, it was a message from another throne that resonated deepest.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, the retired UFC icon and Ankalaev’s fellow Dagestani, took to X (formerly Twitter) to applaud the historic feat: “Congratulations Brother @AnkalaevM you made a history it was amazing performance against very tough opponent..”
For Ankalaev, the words carried the weight of a mentor’s approval.
The new champ responded with a reply that echoed beyond the octagon: “Thank you my brother, you began the way for us.”
The phrase “you began the way” isn’t just gratitude—it’s acknowledgment of Khabib’s role in paving the path for fighters from Russia’s Caucasus region. Nurmagomedov’s dominance (29-0) and relentless grappling style didn’t just inspire Magomed Ankalaev; it revolutionized how the world views Dagestani athletes.
Khabib’s influence is undeniable. Since retiring in 2020, he’s mentored proteges like Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov, ensuring his legacy lives on. Ankalaev’s triumph—and his public nod to Khabib Nurmagomedov—cements this cultural torch-passing. “You began the way for us” isn’t just about MMA; it’s about a generation of fighters who now dare to dream bigger, thanks to Khabib’s blueprint.
For Ankalaev, the win over Pereira was personal redemption. After a controversial draw in his 2022 title bid, this victory silences doubters and positions him as a force in the 205-pound division. But amid the glory, his focus remains rooted in humility. “It’s an honor to represent our people,” Ankalaev shared in a post-fight interview, though his reply to Khabib says it all.
As the MMA world dissects Magomed Ankalaev’s tactical brilliance, his words to Khabib Nurmagomedov remind us that behind every champion is a lineage of pioneers. And in Dagestan, that lineage starts with “The Eagle.”
