ABU DHABI – Aleksandar Rakic relishes the chance to combat Magomed Ankalaev.
Rakic (14-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) takes on Ankalaev (19-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) on Saturday’s UFC 308 fundamental card at Etihad Enviornment (pay-per-view, ESPN+).
Rakic is conscious of what’s at stake with a win. Many assume Ankalaev is the rightful No. 1 contender who was handed up by Khalil Rountree for a shot at gentle heavyweight champion Alex Pereira at UFC 307.
“What makes me actually completely satisfied is that the UFC gave me Ankalaev, and I truthfully consider that if I didn’t put combat at UFC 300 – it doesn’t matter the outcome, I’d by no means get that combat,” Rakic instructed MMA Junkie and different reporters at Wednesday’s UFC 308 media day.
“Once I bought the combat in opposition to Ankalaev, the title, I instantly stated sure as a result of he’s No. 2 ranked behind Jiri Prochazka, who misplaced twice to Pereira, so that is the most effective matchup for me. Stylistically it’s going to be a greater matchup for me than Jiri Prochazka.”
Though Rakic is coming off back-to-back losses to Jan Blachowicz and Jiri Prochazka, Chael Sonnen thinks Rakic is a harmful combat for Ankalaev. In keeping with DraftKings, Rakic is a +285 underdog, and the 32-year-old is able to play spoiler.
“It’s time to remind the followers, the folks, and the UFC who ‘The Rocket’ is again within the days,” Rakic stated. “I’m able to crash the celebration on Saturday and to combine issues up.”
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