Famed American mixed martial arts veteran Daniel Cormier explained why UFC Dagestan welterweight Magomed Ankalaev did not get a bout with division champion Brazilian Alex Pereira.
It was previously announced that Ancalaev will fight Alexander Rakic on Oct. 26 at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
"I don't understand why Pereira isn't fighting Ancalaev already. I like Ancalaev to get another test. But it turns out the UFC is saying, 'We have a star, but this guy can cause problems for our star.' They're signaling that they'll only put Pereira and Ancalaev together when there are no other options. That's fine with me, though.
I'm not saying Pereira can't beat Ancalaev. But it's the toughest opponent for him in the entire division. So it's not time yet. Pereira probably wants to give another puncher. After every win, Pereira becomes a brighter and brighter star.
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But I still couldn't believe the Ancalaev-Rakic fight when I saw the announcement. My jaw dropped. It feels like the UFC is protecting the chicken that lays the golden eggs," Cormier said in a conversation with Chael Sonnen.