“When you have fans who believe in you, it raises your motivation,” the Russian said in an interview with the channel Meta MMA. “I don’t usually go out with the flag, but if given the opportunity, why not – it’s my country and I can raise it proudly”
As for the upcoming fight with the Brazilian, Ankalaev doesn’t think he’ll go all five rounds.
“Nothing personal to him, but I really want to blow his head off, as he delayed my way, made a hindrance to me. If it’s stand-up, you can take it down in the stand-up. If it’s going to be a wrestling match, he has nothing to catch there. Either way, I don’t think there will be five rounds in this fight. I’m going to try my best to finish the fight early. Dana White will be happy.”
A potential bantamweight title fight between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnnie Walker will be the main event of UFC Fight Night 234, which takes place on January 13 in Las Vegas.