As the UFC gears up for UFC 308 at the prestigious Etihad Arena on Yas Island, all eyes are on Magomed Ankalaev. With an impressive professional MMA record of 19 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, Ankalaev is a formidable force in the light heavyweight division. He’s set to face Aleksandar Rakić, who boasts a record of 14 wins and 4 losses. This matchup is more than just another fight; Ankalaev believes a victory here will propel him directly into title contention, solidifying his status among the division’s elite.
Ankalaev Confident in Title Eliminator Status
Magomed Ankalaev is unwavering in his belief that a decisive win against Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 308 will earn him the next shot at the light heavyweight championship. He recently stated to the media, „I was actually told that with this win, I’m next in line for the title.“ This confidence is palpable, fueled by the expectations placed upon him by himself and the UFC brass. However, Ankalaev is also pragmatic, acknowledging that if a title opportunity somehow eludes him, he’s prepared to face any challenges that arise on his path to redemption. He understands that the landscape of title shots can be unpredictable, but his primary focus remains on executing his game plan against Rakić.
Navigating Frustration and Focusing on the Task Ahead
Ankalaev’s journey has not been without its frustrations, particularly concerning the current light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira. While many fans and analysts felt Ankalaev deserved to be the next challenger, the UFC’s decision to book Pereira against Khalil Rountree Jr. left some questioning the promotion’s strategy. Ankalaev has expressed his weariness with the constant narratives surrounding Pereira, emphasizing that his immediate focus must be on the challenge presented by Rakić. He’s learned to channel any disappointment into motivation, understanding that his path to the title is paved with dominant performances against top contenders. This mental fortitude is crucial as he prepares for what could be the most significant fight of his career to date.
Strategic Advantage and the Pursuit of Dominance
Ankalaev perceives a significant stylistic advantage against Alex Pereira, particularly in the grappling department. While acknowledging Pereira’s dangerous striking, Ankalaev believes the champion has yet to demonstrate a strong wrestling game. He feels his own superior grappling skills, combined with his powerful striking, would set him apart in a potential title showdown. However, his immediate objective is not just to win against Rakić, but to do so convincingly. Ankalaev has made it clear that his goal is a decisive victory, though he understands the outcome won’t solely depend on securing a knockout. His primary aim is to deliver an impressive performance that ensures he remains firmly on the UFC matchmakers‘ radar for a title opportunity. As he put it, UFC President Dana White stressed that „it needs to be a good fight,“ indicating that an entertaining and dominant performance can be as valuable as a quick finish in securing a championship bout.
