Magomed Ankalaev (left) (photo via YouTube)

By FCF Staff

As Magomed Ankalaev continues to rise the UFC’s light heavyweight rankings, it looks like Thiago Santos will be his next opponent.

Ankalaev (16-1) has won seven straight fights, after he was submitted by Paul Craig in his UFC debut, back in 2018. Most recently, the Russian fighter recorded a decision win over fellow contender, Volkan Oezdemir at UFC 267 last month.

Now ESPN is reporting that sources have confirmed the UFC is finalizing a bout between Ankalaev and Santos. The fight would serve as the headliner for a March 12th, UFC Fight Night card.

Santos (22-9), meanwhile, worked his way to a decision win over Johnny Walker in his last outing, which took place in October. The Brazilian fighter is 2-3 in his last 5 bouts.