By FCF Staff

Many people were surprised when it was announced Magomed Ankalaev was not going to be next for UFC light-heavyweight champ, Alex Pereira. But, according to the contender’s manager, they’ve been told Ankalaev will earn that fight if they’re both victorious in their upcoming bouts.

Due to Ankalaev’s 12 fight undefeated streak, the expectation was he would challenge Pereira next, following his stoppage win over Johnny Walker in January. Ultimately, however, Anklaev (18-1) was booked to fight Aleksandar Rakic (14-4) on October 26th at UFC 308, and Pereira will face Khalil Rountree Jr. this Saturday at UFC 307.

More recently, Ankalaev’s manager manager Ali Abdelaziz spoke with MMA Fighting. While doing so, he reported they’ve been told by the UFC Ankalaev will secure a title shot with a win over Rakic.

“Listen, I’m happy for Khalil. It’s funny how Magomed Ankalaev is now rooting for Alex Pereira. At the end of the day, it’s the UFC’s decision. It wasn’t my decision. It wasn’t Ankalaev’s decision. But I know I’ve been told, Ankalaev do what he has to do, Alex Pereira do what he has to do, and both of them will fight next.

“I don’t think Alex is ducking him. I think it’s the UFC’s decision. I don’t think Alex is the guy ducking people. I have respect for him and his team. He just became a big star and [the UFC] knows, you know, the fans know, Magomed Ankalaev is the hardest and toughest fight for Alex Pereira…Magomed Ankalaev has to beat Rakic and these two guys will fight and people will get the best two light heavyweights in the world right now. No. 1, Magomed Ankalaev, No. 2 is Alex Pereira. This is my opinion.”

While it’s not certain the UFC would proceed with a Rountree Jr. – Ankalaev fight, if Pereira loses at UFC 307, due to the Ankalaev’s current ranking (#2) it seems likely. Former champ Jiří Procházka is currently ranked #1, but he has not competed since Pereira stopped him this past June.

UFC 308 will take place in Abu Dhabi.