Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic meet Saturday on the primary card of UFC 308 at Etihad Enviornment in Las Vegas. Try this fast breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Final occasion: 2-4
UFC essential playing cards, 2024: 89-81-3
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic UFC 308 preview
Ankalaev (19-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) was on a nine-fight successful streak earlier than a pair of strange ends in back-to-back fights – first a draw with Jan Blachowicz for the then-vacant mild heavyweight title in December 2022 adopted by a no contest towards Johnny Walker due to an unintentional unlawful knee in October 2023. However Ankalaev received again on monitor in emphatic style this previous January when he knocked out Walker of their rematch. Now he’s out to show he’s the rightful No. 1 contender at 205 kilos. … Rakic (14-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) enters the bout reeling from back-to-back stoppage losses towards Blachowicz and Jiri Prochazka. A severe knee harm within the Blachowicz battle stored Rakic out of motion for greater than two years.
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic skilled choose, prediction
I’m undecided what’s worse: Anakalaev getting passed over for one more title shot or Rakic being booked with the division’s high contender after two consecutive losses and an harm layoff?
Both approach, there’s some questionable matchmaking below the highest two fights of this occasion.
Rakic is technically 1-0 reverse UFC-level southpaws, beating Marcin Prachnio again on the regional scene. Nonetheless, it’s troublesome to inform what model of Rakic we’ll get given how lengthy it’s been since we’ve seen a dominant efficiency from the Austrian fighter.
Couple that with the truth that Ankalaev’s wrestling savvy and southpaw stance might restrict Rakic’s leg kicks and takedowns, and I can’t assist however aspect with the Russian favourite to roll on this spot.
I like Rakic and wouldn’t thoughts being unsuitable, however the choose is for Ankalaev to take a aggressive however clear unanimous determination.
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic odds
The oddsmakers and the general public are favoring the Stipe Miocic doppelganger, itemizing Ankalaev -385 and Rakic +290 by way of FanDuel.
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic begin time, learn how to watch
Because the featured bout, Ankalaev and Rakic are anticipated to stroll out to the cage at roughly 3:15 p.m. ET (12:15 p.m. PT). The battle will stream on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
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