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MMA fans worldwide are debating Magomed Ankalaev's latest disclosure of his private conversation with Dana White about a potential title fight with Alex Pereira. Taking to social media, some fans claimed it was all part of the business, while others criticized White for his behavior.
During the UFC 308 media day, Ankalaev recounted his conversation with White. The UFC CEO apparently instructed him to put up an impressive performance in his upcoming fight with Aleksandar Rakic to earn a title opportunity against Pereira.
Ankalaev said:
''I was told by Dana [White] that [my fight] has to be a good fight, I have to show myself well. Then I'll get a title shot.''
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Check out Magomed Ankalaev's comments below:
Fans soon rushed to the comments section to share their reactions.
One fan bashed White, writing:
''Dana White & the UFC are dangerously close to outright rigging fights. They’re essentially dictating game plans to fighters they don’t like. UFC is not real''
Another claimed that White simply wants to provide exciting fights to the MMA fans, writing:
''I'm okay with this. Dana is becoming progressively pissed off about boring fights and clinching sessions and judges' whimsical scorecards. He wants the same product most fans want, finishes. He wants exciting, marketable fighters. Totally understandable.''
Other fans wrote:
''Another normal day in MMA: The CEO "tampering" on the making of a fight. What happened to the fighter developing his own strategy? Threatening a fighter before the fight is a new low to the UFC. Soon they will start to script the fights as well and change the name to WWE.''
''Dana low key holding title shots hostage based on how he fights, not winning or losing. Isn't this basically what he criticized other promotions for? I'm against boring fights, but they need to modify rules, not punish the fighters for being successful within the rule set.''
Check out more reactions below:
Magomed Ankalaev previews Aleksandar Rakic clash at UFC 308
Magomed Ankalaev will face Aleksandar Rakic on the main card of UFC 308 this Saturday, looking to strengthen his case as the next challenger for the light heavyweight title against Alex Pereira.
In the aforementioned UFC 308 media day, Ankalaev discussed his matchup with Rakic, saying:
''I’m focused on my fight. I’m worried about the opponent in front of me. I’m out there. I’m looking to win, something like that... It’s not like he’s [Rakic] that tough, but the fact is he is well rounded. He does have striking. He does have the ground game.''
Check out Magomed Ankalaev's comments below (1:04):
