Alex Pereira sends Magomed Ankalaev a warning ahead of clash with Aleksandar Rakic

Alex Pereira has sent a cautionary word to light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev ahead of his clash with slick striker Aleksandar Rakic. The contenders will go to war at UFC 308 in October, and the Brazilian admitted experiencing some anxiousness ahead of their clash.

Pereira's nerves stem from his concern that Ankalaev may be overlooking Rakic, and focusing on fighting 'Poatan' instead. The Russian has previously stated that he would "easily defeat" the current 205-pound champion, who is eager to prove the No.2 ranked contender wrong.

The Sau Paulo native is worried that he may not get the chance to fight Ankalaev due to him underestimating his upcoming opponent. Pereira is scheduled to face Khalil Rountree at UFC 307.

Should 'Poatan' retain his title against Rountree, he is expected to face the winner of Ankalaev vs. Rakic. The light heavyweight champion recently sent a warning to his potential next opponent in a YouTube video, saying:

"I think Ankalaev has to be careful with Rakic... I'm learning what it's like being anxious. My want? I have to fight against [Ankalaev]. Show him what I can do... I think he should watch out for Rakic. He is talking a lot about me... But I think he should watch out with this fight, very dangerous fight for him. Maintain focus on this fight because he is getting a tough opponent."

Watch Alex Pereira's video below (5:10):

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Magomed Ankalaev responds to Alex Pereira's claim that he turned down a fight offer

Alex Pereira is one of the biggest stars in MMA right now, and there are a plethora of light heavyweight contenders eagerly awaiting their chance to fight him. But according to the Brazilian, Magomed Ankalaev recently turned down an offer to face 'Poatan'.

Ankalaev had previously expressed unwavering confidence about his chances of beating Pereira in the octagon, claiming that he would knock the 205-pound champion out cold.

But in the aforementioned YouTube video, the 37-year-old claimed that the Russian refused an offer from the UFC to fight him. He said this:

"I always wanted to fight Ankalaev. I threw that to the [UFC]. Left it very clear, but Ankalaev didn't want to fight against me." [8:35-8:45 in the aforementioned video]

Ankalaev has now responded to 'Poatan', writing this:

"This is the biggest lie. This not man style"

See Magomed Ankalaev's response to Alex Pereira below: