Ankalaev vs Walker 2 Prediction, Odds & Best Bets | UFC Vegas 84: Don’t Expect a Lengthy Main Event

This Ankalaev vs Walker prediction for UFC Vegas 84 is brought to you by BetOnline. BetOnline is a market leader in sports betting, offering various options from the UFC to boxing and everything in between.

The first Ultimate Fighting Championship event of 2024 is nearly here with UFC Vegas 84 invading the Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, Jan. 13. While the card offers something for everyone this weekend, most MMA enthusiasts have their eyes set on the light heavyweight main event between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker.

We're running it back on Saturday 🔥

Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker ready to headline the first card of 2024! #UFCVegas84 pic.twitter.com/SAO1JYWVR8

— UFC (@ufc) January 8, 2024

A victory for either fighter on Saturday would be huge. Ankalaev heads to Las Vegas as the No. 3-ranked light heavyweight in the UFC and would love a second crack at the championship. Meanwhile, Walker desperately needs the victory as he's currently the No.7-ranked fighter in the division and has yet to challenge for the gold.

The UFC Vegas 84 main event also offers a slew of betting markets, so let's dive into my Ankalaev vs Walker 2 prediction and figure out just what are the best bets.

UFC Vegas 84: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2 Betting Odds

UFC Vegas 84: Ankalaev vs Walker 2 odds are courtesy of BetOnline as of Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 11:46 a.m. ET.

Ankalaev vs Walker 2 Moneyline

• Magomed Ankalaev (-600)
• Johnny Walker (+425)

Will Ankalaev vs Walker 2 Go the Distance?

• Yes (+525)
• No (-850)

Ankalaev vs Walker 2 Round Total

• Over 1.5 Rounds (-165)
• Under 1.5 Rounds (+135)

Ankalaev vs Walker 2 Tale of the Tape

Magomed Ankalaev — Johnny Walker

• Record: 18-1-1 (1 NC) — 21-7 (1 NC)
• Height: 6'3" — 6'6"
• Reach: 75" — 82"
• Weight: 205 lbs — 205 lbs
• Age: 31 — 31
• Fighting Stance: Orthodox — Orthodox
• Knockouts: 9 — 16

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UFC Vegas 84: Ankalaev vs Walker 2 Fight Preview

While some MMA fights are viewed as even matchups, that isn't the case for the upcoming main event. BetOnline is heavily favoring Ankalaev to win at -600 odds on the moneyline, carrying an implied win probability of 85.7%.

Having said that, this is the second meeting between these tough light heavyweights. The encounter didn't last long, though, as an illegal knee from Ankalaev forced the officials to rule a no-contest at 3:13 in the first round. Needless to say, Walker wasn't happy with how things ended, taking to social media to declare that he'd get revenge for the "unfinished business."

Still, the underdog has an uphill battle ahead of him. Ankalaev has not lost a fight since debuting in March 2018, going 9-0-1 with a no-contest in his last 11 fights. He's knocked out five opponents during that run and even fought Jan Błachowicz for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight title at UFC 282, however, that showdown ended in a draw.

Can Magomed Ankalaev keep his undefeated streak going against Johnny Walker at UFC Vegas 84?

Walker has a lot more experience than Ankalaev but he hasn't been the most consistent fighter in recent years. On one hand, he was on a three-fight winning streak before the no-contest in his last outing, defeating the likes of Ion Cutelaba, Paul Craig, and Anthony Smith. Interestingly enough Ankalaev has wins over Cutelaba and Smith but lost to Craig in his debut.

On the other hand, Walker also lost four of five fights before that three-outing run. Considering how Cutelaba, Craig, and Smith have all been trending in the wrong direction lately, it's hard to tell if his winning streak was all that impressive.

You might also like: UFC Vegas 84: Ankalaev vs Walker 2 Card, Odds, Start Time, Betting Trends, & How to Watch

Both combatants average similar striking numbers, however, Ankalaev does have the advantage with a 58% defense rate (compared to Walker's 45%). The Russian brawler also thrives on the mat, averaging 1.07 takedowns on 31% accuracy and 86% defense. For reference, Walker averages 0.5 takedowns with 100% accuracy, but his 57% defense leaves much to be desired.

Considering how Walker wasn't even in control for a second in their first meeting, Ankalaev being the heavy favorite at UFC Vegas 84 is more than understandable.

UFC Vegas 84: Ankalaev vs Walker 2 Props & Betting Trends

While the moneyline tells us that Ankalaev will likely emerge victorious, it doesn't tell us how he'll win. Fortunately, BetOnline has various prop markets that help shine more light on the UFC Vegas 84 main event.

For example, while the sportsbook favors the fight to last longer than 1.5 rounds, BetOnline indicates that Ankalaev and Walker likely won't go the distance at -850 odds. It makes sense given that only six of Ankalaev's last 17 fights went the distance while 86.2% of Walker's bouts end before the round limit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6npgX4OEC8I&pp=ygUQbWFnb21lZCBhbmthbGFldg%3D%3D

If there is a finish to the fight, Ankalaev is favored to win by KO/TKO (-225). It isn't too surprising given that he's won more fights via knockout (9) than any other method with five of those KO/TKO wins coming at the UFC level. Additionally, Walker has been knocked out twice in his last nine outings.

Speaking of which, Walker's most likely victory method is also a KO/TKO victory (+600). Although he holds 16 career knockout wins to his name, only one of those came in his last six fights. Furthermore, Ankalaev has never been knocked out before.

If you're looking to get even more precise with a potential finish, Ankalaev is favored to win via KO/TKO in Round 1 (+180). Of his nine career knockout wins, six occurred in the opening round.

UFC Vegas 84: Ankalaev vs Walker 2 Prediction & Best Bet

At the end of the day, I just don't see an upset happening. Ankalaev is on fire and looked like he was on his way to beating Walker before the illegal knee took place. The underdog will try his best to get revenge on Saturday, but it won't be enough to defeat Ankalaev, who can end things quickly if this fight winds up on the mat again.

As for the best bet, I'm taking Ankalaev winning via KO/TKO in Round 1. Walker tends to fight balls to the wall, which sometimes backfires for him. Three of his four knockout losses took place in the first round, which isn't great news given Ankalaev's knack for getting off to a hot start.

Don't be surprised if this one lasts fewer than five minutes — and not because of a no-contest.

Ankalaev vs Walker 2 Prediction: Ankalaev wins

Ankalaev vs Walker 2 Best Bet: Ankalaev via KO/TKO in Round 1 (+180)

Get 50% up to $1,000 on this pick over on BetOnline

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UFC Vegas 84 Preview FAQ

When is UFC Vegas 84?

• UFC Vegas 84 will take place on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024.

Where is UFC Vegas 84?

• UFC Vegas 84 will take place at the Apex in Las Vegas, NV.

What time does UFC Vegas 84 start?

• Preliminary Card Start Time: 4 p.m. ET
• Main Card Start Time: 7 p.m. ET

How can I watch UFC Vegas 84?

• Preliminary Card Channel: ESPN+
• Main Card Channel: ESPN+

How can I bet on UFC Vegas 84?

• All of the top online sports betting sites will have UFC Vegas 84 odds, but here are some of the sites we recommend most for MMA betting enthusiasts.