The highly anticipated UFC 308 is just around the corner and the fans are waiting eagerly waiting for it. UFC CEO Dana White recently took to his X account to announce the fights for the night. 32-year-old Magomed Ankalaev finds himself a place in the event and will take on Aleksandar Rakic next. The Russian powerhouse is currently on a one-match winning streak in the division and was hoping to challenge the title next. But it seems Ankalaev is not happy after he was denied a title shot against Alex Pereira. He has now issued a warning for his next opponents and seems to be a man on a mission.

Magomed Ankalaev is currently the #2 ranked fighter in the light heavyweight division. The 32-year-old missed out on an opportunity to become a champion against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282. Both fighters went the full distance during their clash, but the bout was declared as a draw by the judges. Since then, the Russian fighter has been waiting for his title shot after an impressive knockout victory against Johnny Walker at UFC Fight Night.

It, however, seems the UFC has different plans for him and Ankalaev isn’t quite happy with their decision. As he prepares for his UFC 308 clash, the #2 ranked fighter took to his X account to show his resentment. He wrote on X, “Now everybody knows I’m not fighting for the title and will fight Rakic in Abu Dhabi. Whoever Mick Maynard gives me I will smash their face so that they can no longer deny me if I do my job impressively. I feel sorry for whoever is going to fight me from now going forward. ” 

A win against Rakic might just push the 32-year-old towards the title next. The fight is poised evenly at the moment as both fighters are capable of ending the fight in the first round itself. Talking about the title, Alex Pereira currently holds it and seems unbeatable at the moment. After defending his title at UFC 303, ‘Poatan’ is now ready for his next challenge.

Fans want to see him make a move to the heavyweight division to win his third belt. But it seems ‘Poatan’ first wants to test himself against the Russian before switching to a new division.

Alex Pereira is looking forward to his clash with Magomed Ankalaev

There are very few fighters in the UFC who have had a meteoric rise, like Alex Pereira. The Brazilian has taken only eleven fights to become a two-division champion and is one of the legends of the sport. But there have been questions surrounding his versatility in the game. While he does have extraordinary power in his punches, many believe he doesn’t have the wrestling skills.

Pereira holds a black belt in BJJ which he earned earlier this year and is slowly improving his ground game. However, many experts believe that he might struggle against the grappling of the Russian. But the champion isn’t quite bothered about it and is looking forward to facing him. While speaking to Stake.com, ‘Poatan’ said, “Magomed Ankalaev is a guy I would like to test myself against.”

Pereira also had some words for his critics who believe he doesn’t have the ground game. “A lot of people talk about that match-up and say that he will submit me really quickly. I would like to shut a lot of those people up and show a lot of my ground game as well. It won’t be an easy fight, but it will be a very interesting fight,” added the champion.

Currently, the light heavyweight division is stacked with some outstanding fighters. With Pereira hesitant in making a move to a new division, a win for any fighter at UFC 308 might just get him closer to the title. Who do you feel will win at UFC 308? Let us know in the comments below.