Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight competitor Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic will go to war this weekend (Sat., Oct. 26, 2024) at UFC 308 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Ankalaev is widely considered the most dangerous threat to Alex PereiraThe combination of accomplished striker and elite wrestler could most likely derail “Poatan’s” reign of dominance. Given Pereira’s status as one of the few actual pay-per-view (PPV) draws at the moment, it doesn’t take rocket science to understand all the reasons why UFC is choosing to send Ankalaev on the scenic path to a second title Shot.

Rakic ​​​​is a seriously dangerous trap on this path. Despite suffering two straight defeats, Rakic ​​is one of the rare fighters who can match Ankalaev’s size and strength, and he is an excellent technician in his own right. Simply put: Rakic ​​is a tough fight for anyone weighing 205 pounds.

Let’s take a closer look at the betting odds and strategic keys for each athlete:

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Ankalaev vs Rakic ​​betting odds

• Magomed Ankalaev win: -360
• Magomed Ankalaev via TKO/KO/DQ: TBD
• Magomed Ankalaev on submission: TBD
• Magomed Ankalaev by decision: TBD
• Aleksandar Rakic ​​​​Win: +285
• Aleksandar Rakic ​​​​on TKO/KO/DQ: TBD
• Aleksandar Rakic ​​​​on submission: TBD
• Aleksandar Rakic ​​​​by decision: TBD
• Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

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How Anatolyev wins

Ankalaev is the rare combat sambo champion who prefers kickboxing to wrestling. Ideally, he would mix in pairs and really abuse his opponents, but Ankalaev tends to operate in one form or another. Given that he’s an excellent counterpuncher AND an excellent wrestler, it all works out in the end.

Despite the big odds, I’m not entirely sure how much of an advantage Ankalaev has here. The two feel very balanced. Ankalaev could continue wrestling, but that has historically been a difficult path against Rakic. On the feet, both men are deft kicks with power in their hands, but perhaps Ankalaev’s punches are a bit more precise.

With that in mind, a bit of stalking pressure seems to be the best bet for Ankalaev, whose opponent is not used to not having major physical advantages. If Ankalaev can pressure the Austrian kicker with his powerful left kick and quick jab, he can make him uncomfortable. By controlling the center, he can force Rakic ​​to take advantage of opportunities and expose himself to counterattacks.

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How Rakic ​​​​wins

Rakic ​​​​is a real physical talent in his own right. Rakic ​​is big and strong for the division and has found many successful wrestling opponents despite his Muay Thai background. He does a good job on his feet, using short combinations to deliver hard kicks.

The good thing about this for Rakic ​​is that he has a more obvious path to success against Ankalaev: low kicks. We’ve seen that Ankalaev’s southpaw stance is vulnerable to inside low kicks, and “Rocket” is certainly capable of blast kicks. Like Jan Blachowicz, he is even willing to kick in the shins.

Winning a ranged battle can drastically change the course of that battle. The last time Ankalaev’s front leg was kicked to pieces, he managed to save himself by fighting an older Jan Blachowicz. If Rakic ​​​​can put him in a similar situation, that will be a much more difficult task considering Rakic’s physical condition, youth and own wrestling skills.

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Ankalaev vs Rakic ​​Prediction

I support “Rocket” because of the surprise here.

Realistically, my guess is that the wrestling will be canceled here and we’ll have a kickboxing match between two men who would rather use power kicks than trade bags. Not only do I feel like Rakic’s inside low kick will end up being a more significant weapon than Ankalaev’s left tip/body kick, but it’s also a challenging style to counter a taller/longer man.

Plus, I was actually pretty impressed with how Rakic ​​struck against Jiri Prochazka. He did get Jiri in the end, but he was almost perfect in the first five minutes. He initiated the exchange well, scoring hard counters that would get most players out and kicking “BJP” in the legs.

It was the best punch I’ve seen in his career and if he can show similar form in this fight he will do the job.

Prediction: Rakic ​​​​by decision

LIVE! Watch UFC 308 PPV on ESPN+ here!

“FIGHT ISLAND” KRAKER! The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday, October 26, 2024, with an exciting 145-pound championship bout between the newly crowned Kingpin, Ilia Topuriawho defends his title for the first time against the former division god, Max Holloway. UFC 308’s pay-per-view (PPV) co-headliner is the former middleweight champion Robert Whittakerwill compete against the often injured (and sick). Khamzat Chimaevwith the winner moving one step closer to a future 185-pound title shot. UFC 308 will also feature a decisive 205-pound showdown between the two Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakicthe return of One-Eyed Shara Magomedov and much more! UFC 308The start time is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET (preliminary round card) and 2 p.m. ET (PPV main card).

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