ABU DHABI – Magomed Ankalaev may have finally been granted his title shot after UFC 308.
Unbeaten in his past 13 fights, Ankalaev outpointed Aleksandar Rakic (14-5 MMA, 6-4 UFC) to earn a unanimous decision win on Saturday’s main card at Etihad Arena.
Ankalaev (19-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) has been chomping at the bit for his shot at UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, telling him to “stop running” in his post-octagon interview. Dana White was asked about Ankalaev’s performance, and the UFC CEO was impressed.
“He looked good,” White told reporters, including MMA Junkie at the UFC 308 post-fight news conference. “He absolutely looked great.”
Ankalaev was passed up for a title fight when Pereira drew No. 8 ranked Khalil Rountree at UFC 307 earlier this month. Pereira retained his belt with another knockout finish, and poked at Ankalaev prior to UFC 308 by telling him that he’s rooting for him to beat Rakic so he can make him wait longer. He also dubbed his style as boring.
But Ankalaev no longer has to worry since he now has White’s word that he’s next in line.
“I would have to say yes,” White said when asked if Ankalaev is No. 1 contender.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 308.
