UFC fans were left questioning the matchmaking decisions for the upcoming UFC 308 main card, particularly regarding the absence of a title defense by Alex Pereira against Magomed Ankalaev. Instead, Pereira is set to face Aleksandr Rakic, the No. 5 contender in the light heavyweight division.
Former two-division champion and current UFC analyst expressed his initial doubts about this matchmaking choice. He pondered why Pereira was not defending his title against Ankalaev, considering the latter's status as the top contender.
The decision raised speculation about whether the UFC is protecting Pereira from facing Ankalaev, who is perceived as a formidable opponent. Cormier suggested that the UFC might be strategically delaying the matchup to build up Pereira's star power further.
The MMA community's reaction to this matchmaking strategy has been mixed. While some agree with Cormier's perspective, others find the decision questionable, as it deviates from the traditional approach of pitting the best fighters against each other.
The upcoming fight between Rakic and Ankalaev at UFC 308 is seen as a potential stepping stone for Ankalaev towards a title challenge against Pereira. If Ankalaev emerges victorious, it could set the stage for a high-stakes showdown between him and Pereira in the near future.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the matchmaking choices, fans are hopeful that the eventual matchup between Pereira and Ankalaev will deliver an exciting and competitive bout. The anticipation is building for a potential clash between the two fighters, which could culminate in a significant pay-per-view event in early 2025.
Overall, the UFC's decision to pair Rakic against Ankalaev has sparked discussions within the MMA community, with differing opinions on whether the move is aimed at protecting Pereira or setting the stage for a compelling title fight in the future.
