Ankalaev beats Rakic by decision, calls out Pereira

No. 1-ranked light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev defeated Aleksandar Rakic via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) at UFC 308 on Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Ankalaev extended his unbeaten streak to 13 with the victory and called for a crack at the title against champion Alex Pereira.

"I think I've done everything to deserve the next title shot," Ankalaev said through an interpreter in his postfight interview. "I want to talk to Alex. Hey, stop running away from me. We should fight. That's what everybody wants to see."

Ankalaev led the dance against Rakic in what was almost entirely a stand-up battle, relying on his straight left hand to pick apart his opponent.

Ankalaev remained unbeaten since a submission loss in his UFC debut in 2018. The 32-year-old Dagestani has challenged for the 205-pound belt once before, fighting Jan Blachowicz to a split draw in a December 2022 vacant title bout.

Rakic, ranked No. 5 coming in, has now lost three in a row for the first time in his pro career.