UFC Fight Night 234: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2 | Event Profile, Full Results & Legacy

Conor McBragger
May 22
3 min read

Introduction

UFC Fight Night 234: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2 took place on January 13, 2024 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas — UFC Vegas 84 — and served as the first UFC Fight Night of 2024. The light heavyweight main event was a rematch between former title challenger Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker, whose first meeting at UFC 294 in October 2023 ended in a controversial no contest after Ankalaev landed an illegal knee.

There was no controversy this time. Ankalaev stalked Walker patiently before detonating a vicious knockout at 2:42 of round two, making a definitive statement for a title shot against Alex Pereira. The card also featured Jim Miller adding more records to his epic resume with a submission victory. Four PoN bonuses were awarded with no Fight of the Night.

Quick Stats

📅 Date: Saturday, January 13, 2024 — First UFC Fight Night of 2024

📍 Venue: UFC Apex, Enterprise, Nevada, USA (UFC Vegas 84)

✅ Result: Magomed Ankalaev def. Johnny Walker via KO (Punches) (Round 2, 2:42)

Main Event: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2

Walker came out with his trademark unorthodox striking — spinning back kicks, question-mark kicks, and capoeira-style movement. Ankalaev remained calm and patient in round one, picking his spots with leg kicks and measuring the distance. An illegal low kick caused a brief stoppage, bringing back memories of the UFC 294 no contest.

In round two, Ankalaev increased the pressure, stalking Walker with heavy leg kicks before uncorking an uppercut that sent Walker crashing to the canvas. Follow-up punches sealed the KO at 2:42. It was a statement victory that crowded the light heavyweight title picture alongside Jamahal Hill, who was in attendance. Walker, gracious in defeat, said he hoped Ankalaev would get the belt.

Co-Main & Undercard Highlights

Jim Miller submitted Gabriel Benitez with a face crank at 3:25 of round three (PoN) — post-event facts confirmed Miller added more records to his already legendary resume, including most wins, most finishes, and most bonuses among active UFC fighters. Mario Bautista outpointed Ricky Simon by UD. Brunno Ferreira knocked out Phil Hawes at 4:55 of round one (PoN) in his middleweight debut. Waldo Cortes-Acosta outpointed Andrei Arlovski. Marcus McGhee also earned a PoN.

Full Results

Magomed Ankalaev def. Johnny Walker — KO (Punches) (Round 2, 2:42) — PoN | Rematch from UFC 294 NC

Jim Miller def. Gabriel Benitez — Sub (Face Crank) R3 (PoN, adds more all-time records); Mario Bautista def. Ricky Simon — UD R3; Brunno Ferreira def. Phil Hawes — KO R1 (PoN); Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Andrei Arlovski — UD R3; Marcus McGhee (PoN)

Bonuses & Awards

🥊 Fight of the Night: No bonus awarded

🏆 Performance of the Night (4 bonuses): Magomed Ankalaev ($50k), Jim Miller ($50k), Brunno Ferreira ($50k), Marcus McGhee ($50k)

Legacy & Impact

FN 234 kicked off 2024 with a definitive statement from Ankalaev. After the frustrating no contest at UFC 294, the Dagestani left no doubt in the rematch, detonating a KO that strengthened his case as the most deserving challenger for Pereira’s light heavyweight crown. Jim Miller’s continued record-setting was a reminder that his UFC career stands alone in terms of longevity and consistency.