As anticipation builds for UFC 308, Magomed Ankalaev finds himself at a pivotal junction in his mixed martial arts career. The event, taking place at the iconic Etihad Arena on Yas Island, features Ankalaev (19-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) going head-to-head with Aleksandar Rakic (14-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC). With his eyes firmly set on the light heavyweight championship, Ankalaev asserts that a victory is not just about pride, but a crucial step towards securing a title shot. He expressed confidence, stating, “I was pretty much told that, with this win, I’m next in line for the title.” Clearly, the stakes are monumental.
Despite his strong performances, Ankalaev has felt the frustration of being overlooked in favor of other contenders. His supporters believed he deserved to challenge for the title against reigning champion Alex Pereira. Nevertheless, the UFC opted for a different matchup, leading to Pereira’s recent bout against Khalil Rountree, which ended in a fourth-round knockout victory for the champion. Ankalaev’s palpable irritation is evident when he admits, “To be honest, I don’t want to keep talking about Pereira.” This sentiment highlights a common frustration among fighters who feel overshadowed by champion narratives yet continue to keep their focus on upcoming opponents.
Ankalaev’s mindset as he approaches this fight encapsulates a vital aspect of a successful athlete: the ability to sideline distractions and focus solely on the task at hand. He emphasizes that his concentration is on Rakic, making it clear that this fight holds his complete attention. “I’m looking to win, something like that,” he says, demonstrating his dedication to achieving victory without being overly fixated on external factors.
Should a fight with Pereira materialize in the future, Ankalaev believes he possesses the well-rounded skill set necessary to prevail. He characterizes Pereira as having a robust striking ability but points out a significant area of advantage for himself—wrestling. “We haven’t seen him wrestle ever,” Ankalaev remarks, suggesting that his own multidimensional skill set could be the determining factor. This confidence adds layers to his strategy; he recognizes the value of being well-rounded in the octagon, especially against an opponent whose grappling abilities remain untested.
While Ankalaev acknowledges the importance of securing a decisive win against Rakic, he seems to dismiss the misconception that it must come in a spectacular manner. His assertion, “It wasn’t a condition that it was a finish and a title shot,” indicates a measured approach to fighting. His primary goal is to deliver a performance that resonates with UFC matchmakers; it’s about the quality of the bout rather than the duration of the fight—whether it lasts for 15 seconds or a full 15 minutes.
As Ankalaev prepares for this crucial fight at UFC 308, he embodies the qualities of a focused and determined contender. His ability to block out distractions, coupled with his emphasis on skill depth over mere striking flair, positions him well for the bout against Rakic. For Ankalaev, this fight is not merely about the immediate challenge but a stepping stone toward fulfilling a long-cherished ambition—the light heavyweight title. Fans eagerly await what the future holds for this ambitious fighter, as he steps into the octagon with both purpose and resolve.