The highly anticipated UFC 308 fight card has been announced and Magomed Ankalaev finds himself a place in the event. However, he will not be taking on Alex Pereira for the title. The 32-year-old will take on Aleksandar Rakic in a highly anticipated light heavyweight clash. Most of the fans felt that the Russian would get the opportunity to take on Pereira next for the title, as he has, time and again, shown his willingness to face ‘Poatan’, but it seems he has to prove himself in the division first.

The former UFC champion Daniel Cormier took to his YouTube channel to share his opinion on the whole scenario.

UFC insider feels UFC is protecting Alex Pereira at the moment

DC reckons that the UFC is not willing to risk Pereira against Ankalaev just yet and while the Russian will get a title shot later, it will be the last option for Dana White. “I don’t know why Pereira is not fighting Ankalaev right now. I don’t know why that’s not happening. What I do like is that now Ankalaev has to pass another test,” Cormier said while discussing the UFC 308 fight card with Chael Sonnen on YouTube.

“What the UFC is kind of saying here is we’ve got this star and we know this guy here could be a real potential issue for that star. They will fight eventually though but they will fight when we have no other option,” DC further added.

Alex Pereira is currently one of the deadliest fighters in the light heavyweight division. The Brazilian has defended his title twice in a matter of a few months. But, despite his dominating performance, the former dual champion Cormier feels he will be tested against Ankalaev.

While speaking to Sonnen, DC pointed out that Pereira’s fight against Ankalaev will be one of the toughest in the division. “I’m not saying Pereira can’t fight or beat Ankalaev. I just feel like it is a very very difficult matchup possibly the hardest matchup for him in the entire light heavyweight division,” Cormier remarked.

Many experts believe that ‘Poatan’ doesn’t have the ground game, which might make him vulnerable against Ankalaev. However, the light heavyweight champion is confident in his abilities and has never shied away from taking on the challenge against the Russian.

But that fight is not on the horizon yet, and what Ankalaev is focusing on is his next fight against Rakic. And before the clash, he has already issued a warning to his rival.

Magomed Ankalaev not impressed with the UFC after being denied a title shot

There are very few fighters in the promotion who are courageous enough to challenge Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev is one of them. He doesn’t quite fear the brutal power of the champion. Ankalaev is currently ranked #2 in the division and is fresh off a victory against Johnny Walker at UFC Fight Night. But it seems his performance is yet to catch the attention of the UFC CEO Dana White. The Russian is upset about the announcement of the UFC 308 clash and took to his X account to share his feelings.

Ankalaev issued a stern warning to his next opponents and seemed to be a man on a mission. “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,” the 32-year-old posted on X.

Both Rakic and Ankalaev are aware of the fact that Pereira has yet to make a move to the heavyweight division. Despite fans urging the 36-year-old to go for the third title, ‘Poatan’ is more interested in defending his title in the light heavyweight division, rather than moving up the weight class.

Will Alex Pereira face the winner of UFC 308 next? Let us know in the comments below.