ABU DHABI – Magomed Ankalaev is confident what’s at stake for him Saturday at UFC 308.
At Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Ankalaev (19-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) takes on Aleksandar Rakic (14-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) in a fight he says will guarantee him a title shot with a victory.
“It’s up to the UFC (what’s next),” Ankalaev told MMA Junkie and other reporters Wednesday. “I was pretty much told that, with this win, I’m next in line for the title. That’s what I hope is going to happen. But if, for some reason, I don’t get the title shot, and somebody else is put in front of me, then I’m going to have to get there, and I’m going to have to crush that person in order to get to the title shot.”
Ankalaev, 32, is a fighter many followers of the UFC thought should’ve been the most recent challenge for light heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira. However, the promotion elected to book Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree, whom he defeated by fourth-round knockout Oct. 5 at UFC 307.
With the narrative largely revolving around Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC), Ankalaev is sick of talking about the champion.
“To be honest, I don’t want to keep talking about Pereira, but people keep asking me questions about Pereira,” Ankalaev said. “If they ask me, then I have to answer. But really I’m focused on my fight. I’m worried about the opponent in front of me. I’m out there. I’m looking to win, something like that.”
If the two eventually face off, Ankalaev sees a clear difference in one skill set category that would set him apart from Pereira.
“It’s not like he’s that tough, but the fact is he is well rounded,” Ankalaev said. “He does have striking. He does have the ground game. When it comes to the champion, he just has the strikes and we know those strikes. We haven’t seen him wrestle ever.”
Ankalaev indicated he’ll be seeking a finish against Rakic, but said he doesn’t think his potential title shot will be contingent on whether the fight goes 15 seconds or 15 minutes.
“It wasn’t a condition that it was a finish and a title (shot),” Anakalev said. “I was just told by Dana that it has to be a good fight. I have to show myself well, and then I’ll get a title shot.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 308.
