Alex Pereira makes feelings clear on Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakić matchup, predicts UFC 308 fight

Alex Pereira recently took to his Instagram stories to share his thoughts on the Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakić bout. The two light heavyweights clash this Saturday at UFC 308, where a shot at 'Poatan's' 205-pound belt is on the line.

Naturally, the title eliminator has drawn Pereira's interest. While he would prefer an Ankalaev win, though only to force the latter to wait longer before finally granting him a light heavyweight title shot, he doubts the Dagestani's ability to beat Rakić, whose physicality and powerful low kicks make him a challenging stylistic matchup.

"I wanted Ankalaev to win so he could wait a little longer, but I can't see him beating Rakić."

A screenshot of Alex Pereira's Instagram story

Pereira's Instagram story isn't the first time he's expressed an interest in making Ankalaev wait. 'Poatan' has opined that his Russian rival has been disrespectful toward him, with the litany of statements Ankalaev has made about him, including the denigration of his striking skills.

However, a win at UFC 308 likely guarantees Ankalaev his long-awaited title shot. If he goes on to face Pereira, it would mark the first time that 'Poatan' has faced an elite-level grappler in the UFC. Ankalaev is widely regarded as Pereira's most difficult stylistic matchup, at least at light heavyweight.

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Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev have been feuding for some time now

Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev haven't enjoyed the most positive relationship with one another. Pereira has dismissed Ankalaev as a boring fighter who no one wants to watch, and who even the UFC is hesitant to book due to his perceived entertainment value.

"You are so weak @AlexPereiraUFC you only pick on the guys who are in lower division than you and you think you can beat them, people are not stupid, there is a reason why you are fighting Khalil [Rountree Jr.] and not me."

Meanwhile, Ankalaev has lambasted 'Poatan' at every turn, accusing the UFC champion of avoiding him, while also claiming that Pereira lacks a chin and that he will kickbox and knock him out if they ever fight.