Magomed Ankalaev had some harsh words for Anthony Smith.
Later this month, Ankalaev takes on Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 in a bout that many believe is a title eliminator for the next shot at light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira; however, not everyone agrees.
Earlier this week, Smith, a past opponent of Ankalaev’s, suggested there are other fighters in line for a crack at Pereira, saying that Ankalaev’s unexciting style has made the UFC less interested in him.
“I wouldn’t count on it because there’s a good chance that Volkan Oezdemir and Carlos Ulberg can have a conversation, or at least have some sort of case to make to get that fight,” Smith told MMA Junkie. “Especially if Ankalaev does what he tends to do sometimes, and that’s lay an egg and still win. He’s already been punished for that. He’s already done it once before in the Jan Blachowicz fight and Dana was absolutely furious.
“Pereira just fought. What would have stopped him from fighting in Abu Dhabi and fighting Ankalaev there?”
“They’re not rushing Ankalaev into a title fight for a reason,” Smith continued. “I think if that fight lays an egg and Volkan Oezdemir goes in there and finishes Carlos Ulberg, I think Volkan Oezdemir has a great case to make for a title shot. So I wouldn’t just count on that.”
As you might expect, Ankalaev did not seem to take too kindly to this.
On Friday, Ankalaev responded to Smith’s recent comments, ripping his former opponent on social media and calling Smith his “easiest fight ever.”
Just to be clear Rakic is my toughest fight in the division
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) October 11, 2024
“Just to be clear, Rakic is my toughest fight in the division.”
Anthony Smith said I sometimes sting the show, hey do you remember what I did to you, Johnny Walker? You are an analyst and supposed to stay neutral
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) October 11, 2024
“Anthony Smith said I sometimes sting the show, hey do you remember what I did to you [and] Johnny Walker? You are an analyst and supposed to stay neutral.”
@ChaelSonnen you are right my friend, my toughest fight in the division is Rakic, my easiest fight ever was Anthony Smith, I hit him with a combination from a video game I used to play when I was 12.
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) October 11, 2024
“Chael Sonnen, you are right my friend, my toughest fight in the division is Rakic, my easiest fight ever was Anthony Smith. I hit him with a combination from a video game I used to play when I was 12.”
Ankalaev and Smith faced off back at UFC 277, where Ankalaev won by second-round TKO. That fight earned Ankalaev a shot at the vacant light heavyweight title against Jan Blachowicz in a fight that ended in a split draw. Following that, Ankalaev had a no-contest with Johnny Walker due to an illegal eye poke, but then won their rematch this January, stopping Walker in the second round and earning a Performance of the Night bonus. Ankalaev also holds wins over Oezdemir and No. 7-ranked Nikita Krylov.
UFC 308 takes place Oct. 26 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
