Magomed Ankalaev had some harsh phrases for Anthony Smith.
Later this month, Ankalaev takes on Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 in a bout that many imagine is a title eliminator for the subsequent shot at mild heavyweight champion Alex Pereira; nevertheless, not everybody agrees.
Earlier this week, Smith, a previous opponent of Ankalaev’s, urged there are different fighters in line for a crack at Pereira, saying that Ankalaev’s unexciting fashion has made the UFC much less concerned with him.
“I wouldn’t depend on it as a result of there’s probability that Volkan Oezdemir and Carlos Ulberg can have a dialog, or no less than have some kind of case to make to get that battle,” Smith instructed MMA Junkie. “Particularly if Ankalaev does what he tends to do typically, and that’s lay an egg and nonetheless win. He’s already been punished for that. He’s already completed it as soon as earlier than within the Jan Blachowicz battle and Dana was completely livid.
“Pereira simply fought. What would have stopped him from combating in Abu Dhabi and combating Ankalaev there?”
“They’re not dashing Ankalaev right into a title battle for a cause,” Smith continued. “I believe if that battle lays an egg and Volkan Oezdemir goes in there and finishes Carlos Ulberg, I believe Volkan Oezdemir has an incredible case to make for a title shot. So I wouldn’t simply depend on that.”
As you would possibly anticipate, Ankalaev didn’t appear to take too kindly to this.
On Friday, Ankalaev responded to Smith’s latest feedback, ripping his former opponent on social media and calling Smith his “best battle ever.”
Simply to be clear Rakic is my hardest battle within the division
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) October 11, 2024
“Simply to be clear, Rakic is my hardest battle within the division.”
Anthony Smith mentioned I typically sting the present, hey do you keep in mind what I did to you, Johnny Walker? You might be an analyst and supposed to remain impartial
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) October 11, 2024
“Anthony Smith mentioned I typically sting the present, hey do you keep in mind what I did to you [and] Johnny Walker? You might be an analyst and supposed to remain impartial.”
@ChaelSonnen you might be proper my pal, my hardest battle within the division is Rakic, my best battle ever was Anthony Smith, I hit him with a mix from a online game I used to play once I was 12.
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) October 11, 2024
“Chael Sonnen, you might be proper my pal, my hardest battle within the division is Rakic, my best battle ever was Anthony Smith. I hit him with a mix from a online game I used to play once I was 12.”
Ankalaev and Smith confronted off again at UFC 277, the place Ankalaev received by second-round TKO. That battle earned Ankalaev a shot on the vacant mild heavyweight title in opposition to Jan Blachowicz in a battle that led to a break up draw. Following that, Ankalaev had a no-contest with Johnny Walker resulting from an unlawful eye poke, however then received their rematch this January, stopping Walker within the second spherical and incomes a Efficiency of the Evening bonus. Ankalaev additionally holds wins over Oezdemir and No. 7-ranked Nikita Krylov.
UFC 308 takes place Oct. 26 at Etihad Area in Abu Dhabi.
