Magomed Ankalaev was dealing with a few injuries before his first UFC championship opportunity.
According to Ankalaev, he was less than 100 percent during his preparation for Jan Blachowicz, who he fought to a split draw at UFC 282 in December.
“I had the worst training camp of my life coming into that fight,” Ankalaev told Dagestan News (H/T Red Corner MMA). “I had a lot of injuries, but nevertheless we agreed to fight. I think we did enough to get my hand raised.”
Despite having his lead leg compromised by kicks from Blachowicz and being forced to switch stances, Ankalaev rallied and turned to his wrestling for the remainder of the fight.