Magomed Ankalaev isn’t getting sucked into all of the drama forward of his rematch with Alex Pereira.
After taking the sunshine heavyweight throne from ‘Poatan’ in March, Ankalaev will put his crown up for grabs in opposition to the Brazilian bruiser in probably the most anticipated sequels of the yr.
Within the weeks main as much as their UFC 320 headliner, tensions have been rising between the 2 205-pound stars. However after exchanging phrases on the UFC Efficiency Institute final month, Ankalaev is content material to go away the “baggage” behind and concentrate on the duty at hand.
“You recognize, there’s not like an emotional baggage that I’m bringing to this factor or like an emotional one thing,” Ankalaev stated in an interview with the UFC. “It’s—principally, he stated what he stated. He stated I hid from him. I heard it. That actually upset me. I didn’t like that. So, I discovered him and I stated, ‘You have been in search of me? Right here I’m. I’m not hiding.’ Then he answered to me. I used to be happy with no matter reply I obtained and I let it go. I’m not concentrating on that.
“So, it’s not like I’m emotionally distraught going into this battle—in no way. Apart from that, respect, no matter, there’s nothing that I’m enthusiastic about besides I’m concentrating on the battle. I don’t care about the remainder of the noise.”
Ankalaev is the odds-On favourite in Pereira rematch
Ankalaev goes into his first gentle heavyweight title protection as a average favourite, trending on sportsbooks at -250, that means a $250 guess would internet you $100, ought to the Dagestani come out on prime.
Nonetheless, should you imagine that Ankalaev will bounce again following his lackluster efficiency the primary time round, a $100 guess may rating you $230.
Who do you see leaving ‘Sin Metropolis’ with gold wrapped round their waist this weekend?
