UFC is ‘protecting’ Alex Pereira, claims Daniel Cormier as ‘biggest test’ Magomed Ankalaev faces Aleksandar Rakic

UFC color commentator and former double champion, Daniel Cormier says the UFC is protecting Alex Pereira from Magomed Ankalaev.

UFC is ‘protecting’ Alex Pereira, claims Daniel Cormier as ‘biggest test’ Magomed Ankalaev faces Aleksandar Rakic

Daniel Cormier says UFC is protecting Alex Pereira from Magomed Ankalaev (Image via Imago)

Daniel Cormier recently commented on the UFC’s decision not to book Alex Pereira against Magomed Ankalaev. The UFC commentator and former champion suggested that the promotion might be protecting Pereira, whom he referred to as a “golden goose.” Here is what happened:

UFC light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev has been booked for UFC 308 against Aleksandar Rakic. Daniel Cormier addressed this in a recent episode of the Good Guy/Bad Guy MMA show with Chael Sonnen. 

When I saw Rakic taking on Ankalaev, my jaw dropped. I was like, they actually did it. Like sometimes you got to protect that golden goose a little bit And that's kind of what it feels like.
Daniel Cormier on Good Guy/Bad Guy
YouTube video

Ankalaev poses a significant threat to Pereira due to his well-rounded skills, particularly his wrestling. Cormier noted that while the two will likely fight eventually, the UFC seems to be delaying it to avoid risking Pereira’s star power being blown out by a tough matchup.

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Ankalaev ranks #2 in the division and was definitely frustrated about not getting the title fight. However, the decision has only motivated Ankalaev to make a strong statement against Rakic and future opponents. The Russian hopes an impressive victory will solidify and make him undeniable for a title shot.

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Joaquin Buckley says Alex Pereira makes MMA look “st*pid” and “ret*rded”

Alex Pereira’s journey in MMA has been nothing short of meteoric. Originally from kickboxing, he secured multiple world titles before making the bold transition to mixed martial arts. After capturing the UFC middleweight title, Pereira transitioned to the light heavyweight division, where he continues to impress.

Alex Pereira
Alex Pereira (via Imago)

Joaquin Buckley is in awe of Alex Pereira. The fellow UFC contender recently talked about Pereira’s quick rise in the UFC, including becoming a champion in two weight divisions with relatively few MMA fights. 

No disrespect to Alex Pereira, because I'm actually a fan of that motherf***er right now. That sh*t is cr*zy what he's doing. But it's like, how is he able to do that? It make it look st*pid. It make it look r*tarded. Where you got guys from different professions out of they life like, 'Oh yeah, I could do that sh*t and become a UFC champion too.' It shouldn't be like that.
Joaquin Buckley on Parry Punch
YouTube video

Now, with potential plans for the heavyweight division, it will be interesting to see what else ‘Poatan’ can achieve. The MMA star has also explored potentially stepping into the boxing ring which would be an interesting dynamic to witness given his incredible striking skills.

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