The UFC is back in the United Arab Emirates with another banger fight card. The featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria, will defend his belt for the first time against Max Holloway. Khamzat Chimaev is returning against Robert Whittaker in the co-main event in the middleweight division. Number-one-ranked contender Magomed Ankalaev is also fighting Aleksandar Rakic in the lightweight division in a matchup that sends the winner to a title shot. The prelims begin at noon EST, and the main card starts at 2 p.m.
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UFC 308: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Magomed Ankalaev (-380)
Magomed Ankalaev is 19-1-1 (1 NC) as a professional with a record of 10-1-1 (1 NC) in the UFC. His latest fight was a knockout victory over Johnny Walker in January. He fought to a draw with Jan Blachowicz in December 2022 before that.
Ankalaev lands 3.64 significant strikes and absorbs 2.25 significant strikes per minute with 53% accuracy and 59% strike defense. He averages 1.02 takedowns landed per 15 minutes and has defended 86% of takedowns.
Aleksandar Rakic (+300)
Aleksandar Rakic is 14-4 as a professional and 6-3 in the UFC. He suffered a torn ACL in his fight against Jan Blachowicz in 2022 and did not return until 2024. He lost at UFC 300 against Jiri Prochazka but looked excellent in the first round.
Rakic lands 4.26 significant strikes and absorbs 2.80 significant strikes per minute. He lands with 50% accuracy and defends 50% of significant strikes coming his way. He averages 0.76 takedowns landed per 15 minutes and defended 85% of takedowns.
Prediction
Aleksandar Rakic looked like the next light heavyweight champion in the first round against Jiri Prochazka. He landed 36 significant strikes in the first round and had Prochazka hurt. Rakic got knocked out in the second round because Prochazka pressured him. Rakic is an excellent kickboxer and will pick apart most people in the division at range. He has trouble when opponents enter the boxing range or fight in the clinch. He should be able to take advantage of Rakic in these situations with his superior boxing.
Ankalaev is the better boxer, but Rakic is the better kickboxer. Ankalaev is more defensive when striking and will be the one to move this fight to the mat. He may be considered a wrestler, but he is a pure striker who can wrestle. I do not believe he will need to wrestle much in this fight. Rakic may have some success early, but once Ankalaev finds his range, it will be lights out for Rakic. Ankalaev has power and precision on his side, while Rakic has kicks and athleticism. Ankalaev is too defensive and will not allow Rakic to land big kicks from range. He will either be inside the kickboxing range or too far away because he understands where the danger is in this matchup. Ankalaev ends this fight inside with his slick boxing and gets a title shot against Alex Pereira.
