Brendan Schaub Says Magomed Ankalaev Is Hurting the UFC – Proposes Bold Trade to PFL

When Brendan Schaub, former heavyweight contender turned analyst for the UFC, aired a startling opinion on a recent podcast, he didn’t just ruffle a few feathers—he sparked a full‑blown debate about fighter value and cross‑promotional strategy.

Speaking on September 28, 2024, Schaub argued that Russian light‑heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev is actually "dragging the promotion down" and suggested the UFC could walk away with more upside by sending him to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in exchange for rising female flyweight Dakota Ditcheva. The conversation, timed with the buildup to UFC 320Rogers Arena, Vancouver, opened a new chapter in how the sport thinks about trades.

Background on Magomed Ankalaev and His UFC Tenure

Magomed Ankalaev, a 27‑year‑old Dagestani powerhouse, made his UFC debut on August 7, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Till. Since then, he’s compiled a 10‑2 record inside the 205‑pound division, with signature wins over Anthony Smith (June 2022) and Johnny Walker (March 2023). Despite a strong resume, his fights have averaged 13,000 PPV buys—well below the league’s top‑tier draws that routinely exceed 300,000.

Financially, Ankalaev’s contract is rumored to sit around $250,000 per fight, plus a $30,000 win bonus. In contrast, comparable light‑heavyweights like Jan Błachowicz command $500,000–$600,000 per bout. The disparity illustrates why Schaub sees Ankalaev as a “cost center” rather than a cash generator.

Brendan Schaub’s Critique and the Business Rationale

During the "Fight Talk" episode, Schaub laid out three main points:

1. Marketability: Ankalaev’s name recognition in the U.S. is limited, translating to modest ticket sales and lower merch demand.
2. Opportunity Cost: The light‑heavyweight slot could be filled by a fighter with broader appeal, such as former champion Jiri Prochazka, who averages 115,000 PPV buys.
3. Strategic Flexibility: By freeing up a roster spot, the UFC could negotiate a higher‑value acquisition, like a promising female flyweight with a fast‑growing fanbase.

"If you look at the numbers, the UFC is paying a premium for a fighter who isn’t moving the needle," Schaub said. "It’s not about disrespect; it’s about economics."

The Proposed Trade to the PFL: Dakota Ditcheva’s Value

Enter Dakota Ditcheva, a 23‑year‑old British phenom who captured the PFL Women's Flyweight Championship in August 2024 with a stunning knockout of former champion Juliana Velasquez. Ditcheva’s social media following exceeds 1.2 million on Instagram, and her fights have averaged 160,000 streaming views on the PFL platform.

According to a March 2024 Sports Business Journal report, a top‑tier female flyweight can generate $1‑1.5 million in ancillary revenue per year (merch, sponsorships, ticket premiums). The numbers suggest that swapping Ankalaev for Ditcheva could net the UFC an additional $800,000–$1 million in annual revenue.

“It’s not a straight‑up talent exchange; it’s a financial calculus,” noted Emily Toch, senior analyst at MMA Insights. “Both organizations stand to gain if the trade aligns with their market strategies.”

Reactions from the MMA Community

The idea sparked a volley of responses on Twitter and MMA forums. Long‑time fan Mike "The Analyst" Rodriguez wrote, "Ankalaev is a solid fighter, but the UFC needs fresh faces that sell tickets. If the trade happens, I’ll be watching the PFL debut with popcorn."

Conversely, former champion Amanda Nunes expressed concern, "We risk turning MMA into a franchise of trades like baseball. It could undermine the sport’s authenticity."

Even Ankalaev’s camp weighed in. Manager Mikhail Tsereteli said, "Magomed respects the UFC, but he also wants to fight for a title. If a move to PFL gives him that chance sooner, we’re open to talking. However, any deal must respect his contract and his earned royalty.”

Potential Impact on Future Cross‑Promotional Deals

Should the UFC–PFL trade go through, it would be the first sanctioned “player‑for‑player” exchange between two major MMA promotions. That precedent could open the door for similar moves—think of a possible swap of heavyweight contender Stipe Miocic for a top‑ranking welterweight from Bellator.

Industry insiders caution that regulators and athletic commissions would need to approve any such deal. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), for instance, requires a clear contractual framework to avoid conflict‑of‑interest accusations.

What’s Next for Ankalaev and the UFC

UFC officials have not publicly responded as of October 1, 2024. However, insiders claim a meeting between the UFC’s talent relations department and PFL executives is slated for mid‑November, potentially before UFC 320.

If the trade materializes, Ankalaev could debut in the PFL’s fall season, which starts on November 15, 2024, while Ditcheva would join the UFC’s flyweight roster and could be earmarked for a debut at UFC 324 in March 2025.

Regardless of the outcome, Schaub’s commentary has forced the promotion to confront the uncomfortable truth that not every fighter on the roster is a revenue engine. As the fight business becomes ever more data‑driven, we may see more metric‑focused decisions shaping match‑making and roster moves.

Key Takeaways

• Brendan Schaub argues Magomed Ankalaev is a financial drain for the UFC.
• He proposes a trade to the PFL for rising female flyweight Dakota Ditcheva.
• Potential revenue upside for the UFC could be $800,000‑$1 million annually.
• The deal would mark the first player‑for‑player trade between major MMA promotions.
• Both fighters’ camps remain open but cautious, pending contract negotiations.