Ankalaev beats Santos in dull UFC main event

Saturday's UFC Fight Night main event might not go down as one of the highlights of 2022, but it was still a big moment for rising contender Magomed Ankalaev.

Ankalaev defeated former title challenger Thiago Santos via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) in a light heavyweight bout in Las Vegas.

Ankalaev, the No. 6-ranked light heavyweight, will break into the division's top five after beating No. 5 Santos. He said in his postfight interview he wants a title shot next.

The fight between Ankalaev and Santos was rather uneventful through 25 minutes. However, Ankalaev landed more power shots and constantly pressured Santos. His best round was arguably the fourth, in which Ankalaev opened up with his fists and pieced Santos up.

The Russian fighter overcame some adversity to earn the judges' nod. Late in the second round, Santos hurt Ankalaev on the feet and then dropped him with an overhand left. But time expired before the Brazilian could do any more serious damage.

Despite his sambo background, Ankalaev seemed content to mainly keep the fight in the stand-up department. He only took Santos down once late in the fourth and then tied him up against the fence in the fifth as the contest came to an end.

The 29-year-old has now won eight in a row and will move closer to a title shot with the biggest victory of his career. Glover Teixeira currently holds the light heavyweight belt, and he'll defend the title versus Jiri Prochazka at UFC 275 in June. Ankalaev hasn't lost since a Hail Mary submission by Paul Craig in his 2018 UFC debut.

Santos, the only fighter to win a scorecard against former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, dropped to 1-4 in his past five outings. "Marreta," who is no longer in title contention, was coming off a dull win over Johnny Walker last October.