Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Streaking Russian Magomed Ankolaev collides with Aleksandar Rakic of Austria in a top-five light heavyweight clash on the main card of the UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. With light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira having defeated all the other contenders, the winner between Ankalaev and Rakic may find themselves face-to-face against the divisional champ next year. Magomed Ankalaev, unbeaten in a dozen fights, is a massive favorite against Aleksandar Rakic, who is on a two-fight skid.

MMA: UFC Light Heavyweight

Where to Watch: PPV

Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi

Date: 26.10.2024 21:30

Ranked at number two in the 205 pounds class, Dagestan-born Magomed Ankalaev is one of the fighters with a complete skill set in the promotion. The Fight Club Akhmat team member headlined the first Fight Night in 2024, delivering a knockout to defeat Johnny Walker on the second attempt. Their October 2023 fight had ended in a no-contest following an accidental knee from Ankalaev. Since dropping his UFC debut to Paul Craig in early 2018, the 32-year-old has won ten of his twelve fights with a draw and no-contest. Along the way, Ankalaev beat names like Nikita Krylov, Anthony Smith, Ion Cutelaba, Thiago Santos, and Johnny Walker. In 2022, Magomed Ankalaev contested for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title against Jan Blachowicz. The bout ended in a split draw.

• Age: 32
• Height: 6’3”
• Reach: 75”
• Weight: 205lbs (93kg)
• Record: 18-1-2 (1 NC, 1 Draw)

The American Top team member arrives at a 0-2 record for this bout. His 2024 bow ended in the second round with a TKO loss against former champ Jiri Prochazka. In 2022, Aleksandar Rakic lost to another former champ, Jan Balchowicz. Before the pair of losses, “Rocket” had gone 6-1 in the promotion, winning his first four UFC fights before losing a split decision against Volkan Oozdemir. The 32-year-old Austrian’s resume includes wins over Thiago Santo, Anthony Smith, and Devin Clark.

• Age: 32
• Height: 6’5”
• Reach: 78”
• Weight: 205lbs (93kg)
• Record: 14-4

Aleksandar Rakic is a 4.00 odds underdog on Bet365. Under 2.5 is priced at 2.03 on Betway. No to the start of round three is available at 2.27 odds on 1XBET. Read more here.