Magomed Ankalaev isn’t permitting himself to be bothered by all of the drama surrounding his exclusion from a latest mild heavyweight title struggle at UFC 307.
In an eyebrow-raising transfer, the UFC chosen No. 8 ranked Khalil Rountree to struggle champion Alex Pereira as an alternative of No. 2 ranked Ankalaev. Pereira wasn’t shy to declare the snub was by the UFC on account of Ankalaev’s ‘boring’ preventing model. Magomed could have an opportunity to push again in opposition to that narrative when he faces Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi.
In the course of the occasion’s media day, the Russian fighter mentioned there was no rift with UFC administration and an excellent win would safe dibs on the subsequent 205 title struggle.
“I used to be just about instructed that with this win, I’m subsequent in line for the title,” Ankalaev mentioned. “In order that’s what I hope goes to occur. But when for some purpose I don’t get the title shot and anyone else is put in entrance of me, then I’m gonna should get there. And I’m gonna should crash that particular person with a purpose to get to the title shot.”
“I used to be instructed by Dana that it needs to be an excellent struggle. I’ve to indicate myself effectively, after which I’ll get a title shot.
As for Pereira, who implied he would possibly attempt to curb Ankalaev’s title ambitions because of ‘disrespectful’ feedback?
“To be sincere, I don’t wanna preserve speaking about Pereira,” he mentioned. “However folks preserve asking me questions on Pereira. So in the event that they ask me, then I’ve to reply. However actually, I’m targeted on my struggle. I’m apprehensive in regards to the opponent in entrance of me.”
Ankalaev comes into UFC 308 off a knockout win over Johnny Walker, which snapped a doubtful duo of fights that noticed him draw with Jan Blachowicz in a vacant mild heavyweight title struggle after which earn a No Contest in opposition to Walker in Abu Dhabi. Rakic is trying to bounce again after dropping his final two fights to Blachowicz and Prochazka.
