ABU DHABI – Magomed Ankalaev is assured what’s at stake for him Saturday at UFC 308.
At Etihad Area on Yas Island, Ankalaev (19-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) takes on Aleksandar Rakic (14-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) in a battle he says will assure him a title shot with a victory.
“It’s as much as the UFC (what’s subsequent),” Ankalaev instructed MMA Junkie and different reporters Wednesday. “I used to be just about instructed that, with this win, I’m subsequent in line for the title. That’s what I hope goes to occur. But when, for some cause, I don’t get the title shot, and any individual else is put in entrance of me, then I’m going to need to get there, and I’m going to need to crush that individual to be able to get to the title shot.”
Ankalaev, 32, is a fighter many followers of the UFC thought ought to’ve been the latest problem for gentle heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira. Nevertheless, the promotion elected to e-book Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree, whom he defeated by fourth-round knockout Oct. 5 at UFC 307.
With the narrative largely revolving round Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC), Ankalaev is sick of speaking concerning the champion.
“To be trustworthy, I don’t need to preserve speaking about Pereira, however folks preserve asking me questions on Pereira,” Ankalaev mentioned. “In the event that they ask me, then I’ve to reply. However actually I’m targeted on my battle. I’m anxious concerning the opponent in entrance of me. I’m on the market. I’m trying to win, one thing like that.”
If the 2 finally face off, Ankalaev sees a transparent distinction in a single ability set class that might set him other than Pereira.
“It’s not like he’s that robust, however the reality is he’s nicely rounded,” Ankalaev mentioned. “He does have placing. He does have the bottom recreation. With regards to the champion, he simply has the strikes and we all know these strikes. We haven’t seen him wrestle ever.”
Ankalaev indicated he’ll be searching for a end in opposition to Rakic, however mentioned he doesn’t assume his potential title shot might be contingent on whether or not the battle goes 15 seconds or quarter-hour.
“It wasn’t a situation that it was a end and a title (shot),” Anakalev mentioned. “I used to be simply instructed by Dana that it must be a great battle. I’ve to point out myself nicely, after which I’ll get a title shot.”
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