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.