The former two-division champ reacts to the UFC not booking Pereira vs. Ankalaev.
It's been smooth sailing for the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion ever since he won the vacant title in 2023, with Pereira picking up back-to-back TKO wins over
Though, the UFC ended up having another idea for Ankalaev, booking him against Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 on Oct. 26 rather than a much-desired title fight with Pereira later in the year."I don't know why that's not happening. But, what I do like is that now Ankalaev has to pass another test because what the UFC is kind of saying here is we've got this star, and we know that this guy here could be a real potential issue for that star.
Many believe Ankalaev's wrestling skills will pay dividend in a fight with a highly-credentialed kickboxer in Pereira, even though Ankalaev himself touts he won't need takedowns as he wants to beat Pereira at his own game in the striking department. That star power could take a hit, however, should Pereira fall to the well-rounded Ankalaev, who he won't fight for a while now that the Russian is booked at UFC 308.
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