Magomed Ankalaev Expected to Meet Anthony Smith at UFC 277 on July 30

Magomed Ankalaev will attempt to extend his winning streak to nine when he locks horns with former title challenger Anthony Smith at UFC 277.

MMAjunkie.com was first to report the light heavyweight booking. UFC 277 doesn’t yet have a location or venue. The card is also expected to include a heavyweight showdown between Sergei Pavlovich and Derrick Lewis.

Ankalaev has emerged as one of the division’s top contenders by virtue of an unbeaten run that began in September 2018. The 29-year-old Dagestani was successful in his first main event appearance, as he outpointed Thiago Santos at UFC Fight Night 203 this past March. Ankalaev’s lone career defeat in 17 outings came to Paul Craig in his Octagon debut at UFC Fight Night 127.

Smith challenged for 205-pound gold at UFC 235, dropping a unanimous decision to Jon Jones in March 2019. “Lionheart” is currently on a three-fight winning streak in UFC competition after besting Devin Clark, Jimmy Crute and Ryan Spann in succession.