On October 26th, Magomed Ankalaev will face Aleksandar Rakic in a light heavyweight bout at UFC 308, held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Magomed Ankalaev
- Record: 19-1-1 (1 no contest)
- Background: Fight Nights light heavyweight champion, known for competing in M-1 Global, Oplot, and Challenge.
Ankalaev, who has only one loss in his career, is the favorite according to bookmakers. With his well-rounded skill set, Magomed is not only poised for victory but also a strong contender for a future title shot.
To earn his shot at the belt, Ankalaev has promised fans and matchmakers an exciting performance, even stating that he won’t rely on takedowns. However, negotiations for a title fight fell through, and now he faces another test. Magomed is determined to reaffirm his top-tier status and deliver a performance that forces the UFC to see him in a new light.
What to Expect from Ankalaev Against Rakic
Ankalaev will target Rakic’s lead leg with low kicks and mix in front kicks. He’ll aim to distract Rakic with a double jab before landing a knockout cross. Magomed will also look to slow down Rakic with constant threats of takedowns.
If Rakic starts throwing hooks, Ankalaev will likely shoot for a double-leg takedown. He won’t miss the chance to catch a kick, take Rakic to the canvas, and finish him with ground-and-pound or transition to a rear-naked choke.
If Rakic gets back to his feet, Magomed will look to take him down again near the cage. The first round will likely be spent striking, with Ankalaev resorting to wrestling in the later rounds.
Ankalaev’s Path to Victory
Rakic’s sudden kicks are a potential threat, but as Ankalaev showed in his fight against Walker, he knows how to counter them. Magomed can initiate takedowns at any moment, and while he may not finish Rakic, he can secure points through control. Thus, Ankalaev has a better chance of winning by decision.
While Ankalaev is technically sound enough to find a knockout, he’s likely to avoid unnecessary risks. He’ll pursue a ground finish only in the latter half of the fight.
Aleksandar Rakic
- Record: 14-4-0
- Background: Austrian kickboxing champion, brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, UFC “Performance of the Night” recipient.
Rakic had a solid performance against Prochazka until he allowed him to get too close and was knocked out. If Rakic is more cautious in his fight with Ankalaev, he could create significant problems for the Russian in the stand-up game. Two years ago, Aleksandar suffered a severe leg injury but returned in great shape, proving he won’t be an easy target for Magomed.
What to Expect from Rakic Against Ankalaev
Rakic will keep his distance and try to bait Ankalaev into attacking, then follow up with straight punches. He’ll evade jabs and fire back with sharp low kicks. When Ankalaev closes in, Rakic might counter with a knee or push him against the cage.
He’ll eventually unleash wide hooks and devastating mid-section kicks. Rakic will throw overhands, hoping to land at least one and follow up with a powerful uppercut. In close range, he’ll target the body with hooks before retreating to a safer distance.
Rakic will be ready to stuff takedowns, and if he ends up on the canvas, he’ll attempt to tie up Ankalaev’s arms and use the cage to stand back up. In the clinch, he may look for a guillotine or a clinch position.
Rakic’s Path to Victory
Rakic has a higher chance of winning by knockout than by decision. He’s slightly less defensively sound than Ankalaev in the stand-up, making it tough for him to outpoint the Russian.
However, he’s capable of landing a looping punch and following up with a flurry of hooks to finish the fight. Rakic won’t shy away from trading blows, which also puts him at risk of being taken down.
In his recent fights, Rakic hasn’t faced many attempts at takedowns, so it’s hard to gauge how well he’ll defend against Ankalaev’s wrestling. But if he manages to thwart Ankalaev’s takedowns, his chances of a knockout victory increase significantly.
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic Fight Prediction
Rakic will aim to knock out Ankalaev with a high kick or a powerful overhand. Ankalaev, however, will play the counter game, looking for a finish on the ground. The most likely scenario is a finish in the third round when the fighters’ stamina starts to fade, so it’s unlikely we’ll hear the final bell.
Magomed is the favorite due to his versatility and calculated approach. On the feet, Ankalaev could be more dangerous thanks to his technical jab and solid defense. If the stand-up battle doesn’t go as planned, he can always rely on his grappling skills.
Ankalaev is looking to negotiate with the UFC as a potential champion and a true star, not just another contender for Alex Pereira.